Federal Indictments Charge 21 Defendants with Trafficking of Prescription Opiates

Update (4/23/2018):

In March 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office dismissed all charges against the following defendants:

Rawshetta Tyneshia Patterson

Audrey Marie Zimmerman

James Edward Gill, Jr.

Renee Smith

Chrystal Jimelle Davis

PORTLAND, Ore. – A federal grand jury sitting in Portland, Oregon returned a 39-count indictment against Julie Ann Demille, 58, of Clackamas, Oregon, a nurse practitioner licensed in Oregon, Osasuyi Kenneth Idumwonyi, 55, of Spring, Texas, her office manager, and a total of 17 other coconspirator defendants in a case involving a conspiracy to engage in the illegal dispensation and distribution of the prescription opiates oxycodone and hydrocodone from the Fusion Wellness Clinic located at 2442 SE 101st Avenue, Suite 205, Portland, Oregon 97233.   In a second related case, Idumwonyi and two other coconspirators were charged separately with conspiracies to distribute oxycodone.  (See charging documents attached; list of defendants and ages at end of this release.) 

The indictments state that the Fusion Wellness Clinic was a business established by Idumwonyi and Demille, from which Demille began issuing controlled substance prescriptions in January of 2015.  Idumwonyi was living in Spring, Texas during the time of the offense conduct and flew weekly from Houston to Portland to assist with running the clinic operations.  Demille lived at a residence in Estacada, Oregon during the time of the offense conduct.  In addition to the overall conspiracy to dispense and distribute prescription opiates, the defendants are charged with multiple counts of distribution of oxycodone.  Demille is also charged with two counts of making false statements to the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Demille, Idumwonyi, and numerous other defendants charged in the two indictments, were arrested on Wednesday morning, July 27, 2016. 

The federal charges arise after a 15-month, DEA led investigation in coordination with the Oregon State Board of Nursing.  As alleged in the indictment, Demille and Idumwonyi are accused of working together to provide oxycodone and hydrocodone prescriptions for a $200 per visit cash fee, to coconspirator defendants, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  During the time the Fusion Wellness Clinic was in operation, Demille prescribed opiates to approximately 400 clinic customers.

“The unlawful dispensation and distribution of any controlled substances, especially addictive opiates such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, is a priority for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.  “We are committed to our partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as state regulatory authorities, to hold responsible anyone who threatens the safety of our community through such conduct.”

“Rogue pain clinics facilitate the destruction of lives through drug abuse, addiction and even death,” said DEA Special Agent in-Charge Keith Weis.  “This is a national crisis as we are losing record numbers of Americans from prescription drugs, heroin, and fentanyl overdoses.  DEA works every day to attack those drug traffickers who prey on victims of addiction and facilitate drug trafficking-related violence in our communities.”

There is Crisis Line assistance available 24/7 for anyone in an addiction or mental health crisis who needs support or help finding an addiction or mental health provider in the Tri-County area as follows:

Multnomah County Crisis Line, 503-988-4888

Clackamas County 503-742-5335

Washington County 503-291-9111

Lines for Life is a 24-hour referral service at 800-273-8255, or  http://www.linesforlife.org.

DEA is working to educate local communities as part of a DEA 360 Strategy.  This strategy involves not only enforcement, but engaging with drug manufacturers, wholesalers, doctors and nurse practitioners to increase awareness of the opioid epidemic and encourage responsible prescribing.  In addition, DEA is working with community partners to empower them with the tools to fight this epidemic.  These partners include parents, caregivers, schools, after school organizations, faith-based organizations, the local business community and workplace, social services, the media, and prevention and treatment professionals, among others.

Local citizens can also assist DEA with tips by texting anonymously TIP411 (847411) and beginning your message with TIPDEA.

The unlawful dispensation and distribution of oxycodone and hydrocodone carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The agencies participating in the investigation are the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Portland Police Bureau, and the United States Marshal’s Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Ehlers.

Defendants / Ages / Community of Residence: