Four Indicted For Federal Prescription Drug Fraud

U. S. Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that Celeste Smith, aged 38, of Statham, Georgia, as well as Jessica Wise, aged 28, Antwan Byrd, aged 30, and Jerry Cooper, aged 64, of Athens, Georgia, were charged, on March 12, 2014, in United States District Court in Macon, in multiple-count indictments of illegally acquiring thousands of Schedule II, III, and IV, prescription pills, such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Alphrazolam (Xanax). 
           
If convicted, Ms. Smith, Ms. Wise, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Byrd face a maximum penalty of  four (4) years imprisonment and a fine of 250,000.

The indictment is only an allegation and the accused are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

These indictments were the result of a joint federal/local investigation involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Monroe Police Department.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett is prosecuting the case for the government. 

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.