PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court to one charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Christopher Nugent, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Nugent conspired together with others, including Ryan Raithel and David Best, to obtain oxycodone by fraud, in that he passed a fraudulent oxycodone prescription at a pharmacy located in the Western District of Pennsylvania, thereby obtaining oxycodone pursuant to that fraudulent prescription. Ryan Raithel has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. David Best has pled not guilty to the charges against him.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2014, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than four (4) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Christopher Nugent.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
