Overview
- Authorities arrested Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas and Roy Nicolas on charges tied to a counterfeit pill operation.
- Prosecutors allege the network distributed thousands of fake opioid tablets to teenagers and young adults in New York City.
- Investigators say dealers used platforms including Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and Telegram to reach young buyers.
- The indictments state the fentanyl-laced pills led to the deaths of three 19-year-olds, including Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez and Akira Stein.
- The medical examiner had ruled Leandro’s 2023 death an accidental overdose involving multiple substances, and the new arrests expand earlier charges that included Sofia Marks.