United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ORLANDO, Fla. - Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement (DEA), Miami Field Division, and A. Lee Bentley III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, announces the return of an indictment charging Valentine (52, Orlando) with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and dispense oxycodone, and ten counts of distribution of oxycodone while acting outside the course of professional practice. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Okonkwo that the United (US) intends to forfeit his DEA Registration Number, his Florida Pharmacist license, the Avalon Park Pharmacy license, Avalon Park Pharmacy Corporation, his 2012 Toyota Camry, and his 2008 Lexus GS.  As part of the indictment, the government is seeking a money judgment in the amount of at least $555,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. This morning, Okonkwo voluntarily surrendered at the United States Attorney's (USAO) in Orlando.  He will have his initial appearance today at 1:30 p.m. before US Magistrate Judge Karla Spaulding.

According to the indictment, beginning in December 2009 and continuing through in or about October 2012, Okonkwo conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute  oxycodone outside the course of professional practice and for other than medical purposes.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. This investigation is being prosecuted by USAO for the Middle District of Florida.