HARRISBURG — A 24-year-old Camp Hill man is facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to fraudulently obtain and distribute powerful prescription drugs using stolen healthcare identities. Zedan RaShwan was charged January 27, 2023, in a criminal information with wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors allege RaShwan and his coconspirators used purloined DEA registration numbers and personal information of licensed medical providers to order controlled substances under false pretenses. The drugs — including Promethazine with Codeine, Hydrocodone, and Clonazepam — were then pulled from pharmacies across the region and funneled into the illicit market. Authorities estimate the scheme netted over $500,000 in illicit profits.
“Distributing prescription drugs outside the legitimate supply chain puts consumers’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who jeopardize the public health.” The FDA-OIG led the investigation alongside the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General.
Acting Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry slammed RaShwan’s actions as a direct fueling of the state’s opioid crisis. “This individual used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain and sell dangerous drugs, fueling the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania,” Henry said. “Thanks to the hard work and cooperation of our agencies, this defendant will be held accountable for his crimes.”
Federal prosecutors are pushing for maximum consequences. The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a potential 20-year federal prison sentence, a term of supervised release, and a steep fine. The aggravated identity theft count adds a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutive to any other time served — no leniency, no shortcuts.
Criminal informations are not convictions. Zedan RaShwan, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is handling the prosecution. Sentencing, if convicted, will be determined by the presiding judge following federal guidelines and statutory requirements.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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