Wilmington Physician Charged with Illegal Oxycodone Distribution

WILMINGTON, Del. – Dr. Charles Esham, of Wilmington, Delaware, was charged today by Indictment with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and distribution of oxycodone, announced Acting United States Attorney David C. Weiss.

The seventy-six count felony indictment alleges that Dr. Esham illegally prescribed over 7000 oxycodone pills to his co-conspirators and other individuals between December 2012 and February 2016.  Esham, who previously maintained a medical office in Wilmington, is alleged to have issued the prescriptions outside of the course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  Esham currently does not have an active Delaware medical license.

Esham faces up to twenty years in prison for each count.

“The charges against Dr. Esham illustrate our office’s commitment to combat those who contribute to the opioid crisis, whether they deal drugs on the street or out of a medical office," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Weiss.

Agencies contributing to the investigation include the following: the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Newark Police Department, the Delaware State Police, the New Castle County Police Department, the Maryland State Police, the Wilmington Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the University of Delaware Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Hall and Shawn Weede. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.