Former North Texas Pharmacist Sentenced For Federal Drug Trafficking Violations
SHERMAN, Texas - A 29-year-old Granbury, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
John Christopher Esparza pleaded guilty on Jan. 5, 2016, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison on May 6, 2016 by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, from November 2012 to September 2015, Esparza was the pharmacist in charge of Trinity Pharmacy on Rosemeade Parkway in Carrollton, Texas. During this time, he illegally sold large quantities of oxycodone to another individual. It was also revealed during the investigation that a review of the pharmacy’s inventory records suggested a large amount of oxycodone with a street value of approximately $2.9 million was unaccounted for. Esparza was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 10, 2015
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Dallas Field Division Tactical Diversion Squad, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Board of Pharmacy, and the McKinney Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern District of Texas.
