Nicholas Wright, Conspiracy to Burglarize Pharmacies, Tennessee 2019

Pharmacy Burglary Crew Convicted in West Tennessee

MEMPHIS, TN – A group of individuals has been convicted for conspiracy to burglarize pharmacies in West Tennessee and other states. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the convictions today.

According to information presented in court, from February 3, 2017 to December 6, 2018, a roving band of burglars in various combinations burglarized over 90 businesses and pharmacies in the Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Mississippi, Middle District of Tennessee, Southern District of Ohio, and elsewhere.

The suspects would wear masks or an article of clothing to conceal their face, and gloves so as not to leave prints. Entry was typically gained utilizing a crow bar to pry open the door. Once entry was made, two to three suspects would enter the business, taking various types of controlled substances for purposes of redistribution.

The suspects used several variations of vehicles during the burglaries, many of which had temporary operation plates, "dealer drive-out" tags, no tags at all, or were found to be stolen vehicles.

The defendants were indicted for conspiracy to burglarize a number of pharmacies in the Western District of Tennessee and elsewhere in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2118(d). In addition, some defendants were also indicted for the burglary of specific pharmacies.

All of the defendants have since pleaded guilty and have been sentenced as follows:

• Bowen was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $191,656.87.
• Brian Presley was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $24,905.86.
• Marquis Presley was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment followed by 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $53,994.63.
• Gates was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment followed by 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,107.26.
• Clay was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,002.89.
• Nicholas Wright pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on January 22, 2021 before United States District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Pharmacy burglaries and theft of controlled substances not only harm the business owner, but also present the dangerous risk of hundreds of prescription opioids being unlawfully distributed into the community, causing further potential addiction, injury, and death."

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case.

Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/west-tennessee-pharmacy-burglary-crew-convicted