An indictment was unsealed this morning in federal court in Brooklyn charging ten members of an alleged Staten Island-based narcotics ring with a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of oxycodone, a highly addictive prescription medicine used to treat severe pain.¹ The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Viktor V. Pohorelsky at the U. S. Courthouse, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York.

The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and John P. Gilbride, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York.

“Oxycodone is addictive and potentially deadly if abused,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “With today’s arrests we have taken a significant step in stopping alleged criminal activity that put the health and welfare of our communities at risk.” Ms. Lynch thanked the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey for their assistance.

DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Gilbride stated, “Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in America today. This organization, allegedly responsible for distributing illegally diverted pain medication in our community, has been effectively dismantled.”

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karin Orenstein and Tanisha Payne.

Defendants:

STEVEN PUNTURIERI
Age: 33

LOUIS D’ARPA
Age: 34

NADER ALLAN
Age: 34

JOSEPH CHEE
Age: 29

JOHN KELLY
Age: 24

DAMIEN MARRERO
Age: 24

IAN MCDANIEL
Age: 33

ANGELIQUE SESTITO
Age: 35

DANIELLE WOLF
Age: 28

JAMES WRENN
Age: 25

 

 

 

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¹The charges announced today are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

 

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