Florida Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone in Multi-State Prescription Drug Diversion Scheme
Central Islip, NY – In a major blow to the opioid epidemic, a three-count indictment was unsealed yesterday, charging Devin Anthony Magarian, 34, of Florida, with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and possessing oxycodone with intent to distribute. Magarian orchestrated a years-long conspiracy to commandeer physicians’ e-prescribing privileges in order to divert oxycodone and other controlled substances into the illicit market.
According to the indictment, Magarian and his associates surreptitiously commandeered the e-prescribing credentials of doctors throughout the country, using those compromised accounts to issue and fill thousands of prescriptions for narcotics and other controlled substances, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine syrup, commonly known as codeine, throughout Nassau County and nationwide. These highly abused substances were then diverted into the illicit market, where Magarian often advertised them for sale to street-level resellers and buyers on his social media accounts and elsewhere.
“As alleged, Magarian led the conspiracy to pirate the digital prescription pads of physicians, putting thousands of lives at risk through this illicit diversion scheme,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “This Office will continue doing its part to find and hold responsible individuals at all levels who, motivated by greed, perpetuate the opioid and prescription drug epidemic with careless disregard for the safety of the communities in this district and nationwide.”
Magarian’s scheme is estimated to have generated over $1 million in illicit profits. The indictment also reveals that dozens of medical practitioners experienced unusual activity on their cellphones, including being flooded with text messages in the days leading up to losing control of their cellphones and e-prescribing accounts. Unbeknownst to the physicians, these text messages were related to efforts by Magarian and his associates to “clone” the SIM card of the doctors’ cellphone, thereby giving Magarian full control of their e-prescribing accounts.
The indictment highlights the brazen tactics employed by Magarian and his associates, who used social media and other online platforms to advertise their illicit wares and connect with buyers. Magarian often used encrypted messaging apps to coordinate the sale of the diverted oxycodone and other controlled substances.
The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, involved collaboration with the DEA, Nassau County Police Department, and the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. “This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the devastating impact it has on our communities,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly. “We will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle the networks that perpetuate this epidemic and hold accountable those who seek to profit from the suffering of others.”
Magarian faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the two conspiracy counts and up to 10 years for the possession count. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine A. Silery and Nicole M. Argentieri with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Kimberly M. Burch.
Magarian is scheduled to appear in federal court on April 12, 2024, before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York expresses its gratitude to the DEA, Nassau County Police Department, and the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement for their invaluable assistance in this investigation.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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