Wyoming Nurse Charged with Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death

U.S. Attorney Mark Klaassen announced today, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), that Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Margaret Ann Easley appeared in federal court for an initial appearance on an Indictment charging three counts of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances including Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Methadone, and Alprazolam, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)C) and 18 U.S.C. § 2(b), which each carry penalties of up to twenty years imprisonment, and two counts of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, also in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)C) and 18 U.S.C. § 2(b), and which each carry potential penalties of up to life imprisonment.

"Drug diversion cases involving opioids are a priority for this office as part of national efforts to combat prescription drug abuse, particularly the rising tide of synthetic drug abuse involving fentanyl that can have such deadly consequences," said United States Attorney Mark Klaassen. "Along with DEA, we will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute individual providers and prescribers who seek to profit from this illegal activity."

An Indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the DEA Salt Lake City Diversion Group, DEA Casper Post of Duty, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Lander Wyoming Police Department.