Former City Pharmacist Pleads Guilty To Drug Trafficking Charges

Former City Pharmacist Pleads Guilty To Drug Trafficking Charges

The following press release was published by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys on April 2, 2013. It is reproduced in full below.

PHILADELPHIA - Arlene Gerson, 46, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and attempted distribution of oxycodone, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Sentencing has been set for July 12, 2013 before the Honorable Stewart Dalzell of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She faces an advisory sentencing guideline range of 57 to 71 months in prison.

Gerson was working as a pharmacist at various locations, including a health clinic run by the City of Philadelphia known as Health Center #5. Gerson used that position to access blank prescription pads, doctors’ identification information, patient identification information, and patient health insurance information in creating phony prescriptions. Gerson or one of their associates then took the false prescription to a pharmacy to be filled. Gerson and her associates then allegedly sold a portion of the controlled substances for a profit.

The case was investigated by FBI, the Philadelphia Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Livermore.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA

Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys

More News