Overview
- Authorities identified the suspects as Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas.
- Prosecutors say the group distributed thousands of fake prescription opioid tablets, some containing fentanyl, to teens and young adults in New York City.
- Indictments attribute three fatal overdoses to the pills, including those of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, 19, and Akira Stein, 19, according to law enforcement.
- The New York City medical examiner previously determined Leandro died from the toxic effects of multiple substances, including fentanyl, in an accidental overdose.
- The arrests follow a more than two-year investigation and build on 2023 charges against Sofia “Percocet Princess” Marks in connection with Leandro’s pill purchase.