KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Ottawa, Kan., woman has pleaded guilty to running a prescription drug trafficking ring tied to the death of a man who died from taking a mixture made from prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Connie Edwards, 60, Ottawa, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute prescription drugs. In her plea, she admitted that from Nov. 1, 2007, to Feb. 28, 2012, she conspired with others to distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine and other prescription drugs in Ottawa.

An investigation began early in 2010 when the Franklin County Drug Enforcement Unit received information that people working for Edwards were distributing prescription drugs in Ottawa. Sources told investigators Edwards rented to people who paid her in prescription pills and she accepted stolen property in payment for pills.

On May 10, 2009, William Thomas Powell, who bought drugs from the Edwards' organization, was found unconscious in the living room of his mother's home. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed that he died from taking a toxic combination of methadone, hydrocodone and carisoprodol.

Investigators learned that the afternoon before he died Powell went to Edwards' house, where he bought a white powder he was told was methamphetamine. In fact, one of Edwards' associates produced the powder by crushing prescription pills including hydrocodone, methadone and carisoprodol. Edwards was present when Powell bought the drugs, but the associate handled the sale. Later that evening, Powell purchased prescription pills from Edwards, who delivered the pills to Powell in a van outside the Hidden Meadows apartment complex in Ottawa. Powell then took the pills and injected the substance he believed was methamphetamine, creating a toxic combination that caused his death.

Investigators documented numerous incidents in which Powell and her associates sold prescription drugs.

Sentencing is set for March 4. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have agreed to recommend Edwards be sentenced to 25 years and a forfeiture judgment of $632,930.

Co-defendants include:
Brittany Edwards, 20, Ottawa, Kan., who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and is set for sentencing Feb. 25.
Shirley Price, 45, Ottawa, Kan., who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and is set for sentencing Dec. 12.
Dustin Price, 24, Ottawa, Kan., who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and is set for sentencing Feb. 25.
Joel Keith Price, 55, Ottawa, Kan., who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and is set for sentencing Feb. 25.
Morgan Price, 22, Ottawa, Kan., who pleaded guilty to possession of morphine and is set for sentencing March 4.
Brandi Bivens, 30, Ottawa, Kan., who is awaiting trial. Angela Mitchell, 35, Ottawa, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
Tamara Ledom, 37, Ottawa, Kan., who is awaiting trail.
Florence Edwards, 39, Ottawa, Kan., who is awaiting trail.

The Ottawa Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

 

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