Members Of Pasco County Oxycodone Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced In Federal Court
TAMPA, Fla. - Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement (DEA), Miami Field Division, Robert E. O’Neill, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, and Chris Nocco, Sheriff, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, announced yesterday that U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington sentenced Kathy (52, Hudson), Jeffrey (46, Hudson), and Steve (54, Pasco County) for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone. Humphrey was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, Dixon was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, and Derks was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.
Judge Covington previously sentenced ten other members of this same oxycodone distribution organization to federal prison terms. All of the defendants pleaded guilty to conspiring with each other and other persons to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
On October 22, 1012, Alisha (23, Clearwater) was sentenced to 130 months; Martina (26, Lecanto) was sentenced to 57 months; Brandi Cooper (33, Hudson) was sentenced 121 months; Thomas (28, Hudson) was sentenced to 151 months; and Dawn (28, New Port Richey) was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.
Earlier this month, Lester (47, Citrus County) was sentenced to 100 months; Jennifer (31, Lecanto) was sentenced to 57 months; Christopher (28, Pasco County) was sentenced to 32 months; Donna (42, Hudson) was sentenced to 30 months; and Melissa (23, Clearwater) was sentenced to 37 months.
According to court documents, from early 2009 through November 2010, the Humphrey drug trafficking organization acquired more than 60,000 oxycodone pills for distribution in Pasco County and Kentucky. Kathy Humphrey, who lived in Kentucky during the time frame of the conspiracy, created fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and distributed them to her children, and others, for presentation at various pharmacies in Pasco County. One of those pharmacies was Ed’s Family Friendly Pharmacy, owned by Edward Beckles. Edward Beckles has been indicted and his case is pending. Once the oxycodone pills were obtained, the majority were transported to Kentucky for sale and distribution.
“These drug dealers used their own children to profit from the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Not only are they a menace to the community, but an imminent danger to their family,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Mark R. Trouville. “The DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who commit these atrocious acts to profit from the diversion of prescription drugs.”
“We are proud to be a partner with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office taking an aggressive stance against the illegal use of prescription pills,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. “This case proves that we are making a significant difference in the community.”
This case was investigated by the DEA Tampa District Office and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.