12 Las Vegans charged with passing forged prescriptions

By Mary Manning

Thursday, April 23, 2009 | 10:31 a.m.

Federal drug charges have been filed against a dozen Las Vegas residents for allegedly passing forged and fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances at local pharmacies, said U.S. Attorney Greg Brower of Nevada.

Those charged were able to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of prescription painkillers, such as Oxycodone and Percocet, Brower said.

"The unlawful acquisition and distribution of prescription medications is a very serious crime," Brower said. "Those who engage in such conduct risk federal prosecution and lengthy prison sentences."

The indictments were handed down by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. Names in the indictments were Chloe Telles-Gaches, 23, Daniel Lugo, 22 and Ray Lugo, Jr., 23, charged with three counts each of conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone, Percocet and Lortab, three counts each distribution of Oxycodone, Percocet and Lortab, and three counts each of conspiracy to acquire Oxycodone, Percocet and Lortab by fraud.

Telles-Gaches is also charged with conspiracy to launder money.

All three were arrested April 1 in Las Vegas and released on personal recognizance bonds, except Telles-Gaches, who was released to a halfway house.

They are scheduled to be arraigned on the charges at 8:30 a.m. May 8 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Johnston.

Also charged by criminal complaint are Angelina Maria Lugo, 23, Sidney James Franklin, 29, Keith Arlando Burwell, 31, Zachary Michael Knighton, 23, Jessica A. Tritt, 25, Breanna M. White, 20, Natasha Georgina Edwards, 22, and Ricky Ray Roche, 24, and one other person who has not yet been arrested, according to the indictment.

Each of the above named persons are charged with acquisition of a controlled substance by forgery.

Between about February 2008 and February 2009, the indictments allege, the defendants passed more than 100 forged prescriptions at more than 30 pharmacies throughout Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson, obtaining more than 19,000 pills, including 17,280 pills of Oxycodone, 1,000 pills of Percocet, 920 pills of Lortab and 180 pills of Roxicodone.

Through advanced computer technology, the persons involved were able to imitate prescriptions, including legitimate security features and sensitive doctor information, the indictments allege.

The defendants used the information of at least six doctors and one physician's assistant to create the fake prescriptions, authorities said. All of the medications, which are normally prescribed for treating moderate to severe pain, are classified under federal law as either Schedule II or Schedule III controlled substances.

The pills obtained by the defendants had an estimated street value of about $708,000, Brower said.

If convicted, Telles-Gaches, Daniel Lugo and Ray Lugo, Jr., face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine on each count. The remaining nine defendants face up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the IRS criminal investigation division are investigating the case, with assistance from Metro Police, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Henderson Police and North Las Vegas Police.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kishan Nair and Crane Pomerantz.