Former North Texas Pharmacist Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking Violations

PLANO, Texas –  A 29-year-old Granbury, Texas man has been charged with federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales  today.

                John Christopher Esparza was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 10, 2015 and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.  Esparza appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Don D. Bush on Sep. 24, 205, and was ordered to be detained until trial.

According to information presented in court, from November 2012 to September 2015, Esparza was the pharmacist in charge of Trinity Pharmacy on Rosemeade Parkway in Carrollton, Texas.  During this time he is alleged to have illegally sold large quantities of oxycodone to an informant.  During the investigation it was revealed that a review of the pharmacy’s inventory records suggests that a large amount of oxycodone with a street value of approximately $2.9 million was unaccounted for. 

If convicted, Esparza faces up to 20 years in federal prison.  A trial date has not been set.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Dallas Field Division Tactical Diversion Squad, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Board of Pharmacy, and the McKinney Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern District of Texas.

It is important to note that a grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.