Overview
- A federal grand jury in Manhattan indicted Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas and Roy Nicolas on one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death, and authorities announced their arrests on Oct. 30.
- Prosecutors allege the group ran a network that pushed thousands of counterfeit "M30" and fake Xanax pills to teenagers and young adults via social media and encrypted apps across New York City and parts of Long Island.
- The indictment links the pills to three overdose deaths in May–July 2023, including 19‑year‑olds Leandro De Niro‑Rodriguez and Akira Stein, with a third victim identified only as a 19‑year‑old male.
- In Leandro’s case, the medical examiner found a toxic mix including fentanyl, and court filings describe a dealer warning the pills were strong before completing the sale.
- The DEA, NYPD, Homeland Security and the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the case; if convicted, the defendants face 20 years to life in prison, and a separate 2023 prosecution previously charged Sophia Haley Marks in sales tied to Leandro’s death.