Masked Robber Gets 14 Years in Prison for Stealing Prescription Meds from Pharmacies

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 171 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of conspiracy to commit pharmacy robbery, pharmacy robbery, brandishment of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Stephan Edward Corrick, 67, formerly of Harmarville, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on March 11, 2016, Palmer's Pharmacy located in Russellton, Pennsylvania, was robbed by two individuals armed with firearms and wearing masks. The suspects stole approximately 10,000 dosage units of prescription drugs, including Oxycodone and Fentanyl, with an estimated street value of approximately $235,000. As a result of their comprehensive and extensive investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and West Deer Police Department developed a general description of at least one suspect.

Then on April 28, 2016, Keystone Pharmacy located in New Alexandria Boro, Pennsylvania, was robbed by two individuals wearing masks. One suspect had a gun and the other had pepper spray. The assailants placed employees on the ground and handcuffed them. Investigators determined that between 15,000 and 20,000 dosage units were stolen. Noting the similarities between both robberies, DEA then coordinated its investigation with that of the Pennsylvania State Police to identify and arrest the individuals in question. Through the investigation, agents identified Corrick as one of the suspects. After locating and interviewing him, agents secured a full confession. Immediately thereafter, the other suspect, was also identified and arrested. Corrick had recently been released from prison after serving time for armed robbery.

Corrick’s co-defendant, Dana Lee Shipley, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced in January to 216 months imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for his role in the robberies.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the DEA, the Pennsylvania State Police and the West Deer Township Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the prosecution of Corrick.