Five collared in alleged Brooklyn oxycodone ring

An alleged conspiracy involving five people, one of whom remains at large, has led to multiple charges stemming from the illegal distribution of oxycodone.

Gilberto Cabrera and Robert Hespeth are the alleged leaders of a distribution ring that would supply accomplices with oxycodone-positive urine that conspirators would use to convince doctors in Brooklyn they were taking the medication when, in fact, the pills were being sold to others, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated.

The Ekwunife Pharmacy in Brooklyn was named as the place where the ill-gotten prescriptions were filled by pharmacist Kian Gohari. Sheri Bowen faces charges as an accomplice who would visit doctors to receive the prescriptions, officials stated.

Calvin Barrett, Jr., an alleged buyer of large quantities of oxycodone from Cabrera, remained at large.

“I commend the work of the US Attorney, the FBI and the NYPD in bringing charges against these five defendants who, as alleged, willfully conspired to peddle these potentially dangerous pills to those likely snared in the downward spiral of addiction,” NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton said.

Charges against the group included conspiracy to distribute and possess a controlled substance, which could carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, the attorney’s office stated.

“By allegedly engaging in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone within our community, the defendants engaged in behavior that ultimately contributes to this epidemic — one that has a lasting impact on all segments of society,” FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Diego Rodriguez said of the charges.