Rickie Horvath, Oxycodone Distribution, New Jersey 2014

Newark, NJ – In a shocking turn of events, Rickie Horvath, a 54-year-old Belleville man, pleaded guilty to his role in a massive oxycodone distribution ring in Essex County, New Jersey.

According to sources, Horvath, along with several other conspirators, obtained prescriptions for oxycodone from various doctors in New Jersey and filled them at pharmacies in Belleville and elsewhere, before selling the drugs for a profit.

Using confidential sources, physical surveillance, and recorded text messages and telephone calls, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) discovered the scope of the operation, which dated back to February 5, 2014, and continued until August 13, 2014.

Horvath admitted to personally obtaining prescriptions for pills containing oxycodone, having them filled, and selling them to members of the conspiracy and others.

The investigation identified Horvath as a member of the drug-trafficking organization, and he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2016.

Horvath was not the only one involved in the distribution ring. Several other individuals, including Victoria Horvath, Monica Horvath, Tony Marco, Steven Horvath, Justin Farraj, and Daniel Horvath, have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

However, charges were dismissed against Belleville pharmacist Vincent Cozzarelli after his death in April 2014.

The principal mission of the OCDETF program, under which this investigation was conducted, is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug-trafficking, weapons-trafficking and money-laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

Horvath, a Belleville resident, is currently awaiting sentencing and faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

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