Leon Little, Colise Harmon Convicted in 380K Oxycodone Pill Scheme

Leon Little, ringleader of the so-called ‘Little Drug Operation’ (LDO), was convicted on 50 counts following a three-week federal trial in Philadelphia, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, 24 counts of oxycodone distribution, 9 counts of acquiring drugs by fraud, and 16 counts of money laundering. His accomplice, Colise Harmon, was found guilty on 34 counts, including conspiracy, 15 counts of oxycodone distribution, and 4 fraud counts. Together, they flooded communities across the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with over 380,000 oxycodone pills and alprazolam, fueling a crisis that prosecutors say devastated neighborhoods and families.

The operation ran from July 2010 to August 2012, during which Little masterminded a scheme to exploit a Bala Cynwyd physician’s office by paying off the doctor’s receptionist—the sole employee—to forge prescriptions without medical consent. Using the doctor’s prescription pad, she scheduled appointments for 55 recruited ‘pseudo-patients,’ many drawn from the Raymond Rosen Projects in North Philadelphia. These individuals were paid to pose as patients, receive prescriptions for 10mg and 30mg oxycodone tablets, then hand over the filled drugs to Little in exchange for cash.

Little personally collected and stored the diverted pills, repackaged them, and distributed them across Philadelphia’s streets. He covered all costs—the doctor visits, the pharmacy fees—ensuring a steady pipeline of legally prescribed opioids for illegal resale. The scheme wasn’t just bold; it was calculated, relying on forged documents, coordinated logistics, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking fast cash in struggling communities.

Colise Harmon acted as a key facilitator, serving as a driver who transported pseudo-patients to appointments and pharmacies. He also posed as a patient himself. Paid by Little alongside two others, Harmon ensured that the forged prescriptions were filled efficiently and the drugs flowed back into the distribution chain. His role was operational but vital—without the transportation network, the pill mill would have stalled.

“Like the rest of the nation, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has been greatly impacted by the prescription drug abuse epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger. “Heroin and opiate-based prescription medication – such as oxycodone – are two of the most abused drugs in this area. And just like street drugs, prescription drug abuse produces the same problems: addiction, crime, and broken families.” Memeger called the convictions a major strike against the epidemic.

The DEA and IRS Criminal Investigation both emphasized the broader message. Gary Tuggle, DEA Philadelphia Field Division, stated the LDO’s distribution of over 380,000 oxycodone dosage units caused “considerable damage” and loss of life. Akeia Conner of IRS CI added, “All financial transactions leave a trail… we are committed to taking the profit away from drug traffickers.” Little now faces up to 846 years in prison. Harmon faces up to 336 years. Sentencing is pending.