Press Release
Superseding Indictment Charges Doctor and Alleged Co-Conspirator with Oxycodone Distribution Offenses
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 36-count superseding indictment charging JENNIFER FARRELL and JIMIESHA McKOY with narcotics distribution offenses.
As alleged in the superseding indictment, Farrell was a medical resident at Yale New Haven Health (“YNHH”) in the Emergency Department from July 2017 until June 2019. From March 2018 to March 2019, Farrell wrote numerous prescriptions for oxycodone for non-legitimate medical purposes outside the scope of her professional practice in the name of at least five individuals, including McKoy. Farrell did not see McKoy or any of the other individuals for any medical purpose at any YNHH facility during the entire period of her residency.
The superseding indictment, which was returned on November 6, charges Farrell and McKoy with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances. The indictment also charges Farrell with 35 counts of distribution of narcotics outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Farrell, 37, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 31, 2019, and was charged by indictment in August. Farrell, who was living in New Haven at the time of her arrest, is released on a $200,000 bond and residing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
McKoy, 30, of New Haven, is currently being sought by law enforcement. Citizens with knowledge of McKoy’s whereabouts, or with information that may be helpful the investigation of this matter, are encouraged to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Group. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
Updated November 19, 2019
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Opioids
Prescription Drugs
Component