Stolen Prescription Pads Used for Trafficking Oxycodone in Orlando

A former nurse from Ormond Beach was arrested by the Florida Department of Law this week. He is being charged with four counts of oxycodone trafficking in the Orlando area.

The story starts several months ago when Jeffery Edwards, the suspect, allegedly stole a prescription pad and began using his company credit card to purchase massive amounts of oxycodone. According to Orland law enforcement officials Edwards began is purchases in August and continued through October. During those months he was in possession of up to 30 kilos of oxycodone pills.

Suspicious Pharmacist Gives Tip to Law Enforcement

He was taking his fraudulent prescriptions to several Volusia County pharmacies. During his purchasing spree he bought approximately 2,500 pills. His activities were brought to the attention of law enforcement by a suspicious pharmacist who reported the unusual activity of Edwards. At the time Edwards was a manager at a local Doctor’s office, which is he acquired the prescription forms. Edwards was fired from his job back in November, but the reason has not been released to the press.

Edwards could face additional charges from his crimes. When you examine the case closely you can see these additional possible charges:

• Theft
• Forgery
• Tax Fraud

The charges of theft would likely be only a misdemeanor charge since the only known item which was stolen is the prescription forms. Forgery charges could easily be filed for filling out and signing the prescription forms as a Doctor. Tax fraud is one area the start of Florida or the Federal government could charge Edwards with for not reporting income from his illegal sales of the drugs.

The damage to Edwards will not be isolated to just the legal proceedings. It is almost certain his nursing license will immediately be withdrawn. The most serious of Edward’s charges are the drug trafficking. The sentencing guidelines in Florida allow for a minimum of three years and up to life imprisonment. With three separate counts being filed Edwards will need to employ a top quality Orlando area criminal defense attorney to keep him informed of his rights and aid him in negotiating with the District Attorney.

Illegal Actions with Legal Drugs Equals Severe Penalties

The case has some interested twists which could affect his final sentencing. In most cases of drug trafficking the substance being purchased or sold is an illegal drug like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. In this case the drug itself is legal for use for patients with a valid prescription. This does not lessen the danger of what Edwards is alleged to have done. Oxycodone is a dangerous and habit forming drug.

If additional charges are filed Edwards, who is 52 years old, may be spending the rest of his life in prison. When faced with serious charges like these it is important for the suspect and his family to work with a qualified criminal defense attorney who specializes in drug cases. Proper representation can make a dramatic difference in the final sentencing and your understanding of how to proceed. A single mistake could lead to added years in prison when what is really needed is drug rehabilitation or counseling.