DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
34 Results - Showing 1 to 10
PRESS RELEASE

Two Charged with Connection with Scheme to Operate Industrial-Scale Illegal Narcotics Pill Pressing Operations Throughout New York City

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”); and Darren B. McCormack, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of...
PRESS RELEASE

Schenectady Man Sentenced for Drug Charges

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Hason Harres, 47, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to serve 57 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug...
PRESS RELEASE

Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 70 Months for Unlawful Drug Distribution

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Danielle Simonson, age 52, of Fort Ann, New York, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino...
PRESS RELEASE

Two Charged in Connection with Search of Bronx Drug Mail Distribution Center Containing Approximately 100,000 Pills Suspected of Fentanyl and Meth

NEW YORK CITY - Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Frank A. Tarentino III, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Erin Keegan, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field...
PRESS RELEASE

Nurse Practitioner Arrested for Unlawful Drug Distribution

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher Viagrande, age 41, of Latham, New York, was arrested earlier this week and charged with distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III...
PRESS RELEASE

FL Man Who Allegedly Commandeered E-Prescribing Privileges of Doctors Charged with Criminal Sale

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Drug Enforcement Administration New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III announced the arrest of a Florida man who allegedly commandeered the e-prescribing privileges of multiple doctors to issue thousands...
PRESS RELEASE

Nassau Doctor Sentenced to Up to 15 Years in Prison for Overprescription of Opioids that Led to Five Deaths

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced today that a Nassau County doctor has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for prescription practices that led to the deaths of five patients between 2016 and 2018. George Blatti, 78, pleaded guilty on October 10...
PRESS RELEASE

Year in Review: DEA Innovates to Fight Fentanyl

NEW YORK CITY – In 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration marked its 50th anniversary as the only federal agency dedicated to fighting deadly drugs and drug-related violence. This milestone celebrated a half century of dedication to fighting drug trafficking in the United States and around the world, which threatens...
PRESS RELEASE

Buffalo Man Convicted for His Role in Narcotics Conspiracy that Led to an Overdose Death

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Gonzalez a/k/a Steven Hernandez, a/k/a Steve, a/k/a Stevie, a/k/a Unc, 47, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Gonzalez was also...
PRESS RELEASE

Fort Salonga Urologist and Wife Charged with Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance and Falsifying Business Records

SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III today announced the indictment of Francis and Jessica Martinis, of Fort Salonga, accused of Criminal Sale of Prescription for a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner and Falsifying...