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Paterson Residents Charged in Opioid Distribution Conspiracy with Doctor
Two residents of Paterson, NJ, face federal charges for allegedly conspiring with a local doctor to illicitly distribute oxycodone, highlighting ongoing opioid challenges.
PATERSON, NJ: In a significant development in the fight against opioid abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced charges against two Paterson residents for conspiring to distribute opioids without legitimate medical justification. Jasmine McGregor, 32, and Jhanelle Lewis, 35, face allegations of collaborating with Dr. Lisa Ferraro of Hillsdale to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
McGregor and Lewis were each charged with one count of conspiracy, following separate complaints. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court, and were released on $100,000 unsecured bonds. Dr. Ferraro faces similar charges and was arrested on October 3, 2023.
Court documents and statements reveal that from July 2021 to October 2023, McGregor and Lewis allegedly worked with Dr. Ferraro in prescribing oxycodone to individuals not under Ferraro's care. These individuals, including social acquaintances of McGregor and Lewis's incarcerated romantic partner, were reportedly never examined or questioned by Ferraro to determine a legitimate medical need for the drug.
During this conspiracy, Ferraro is accused of prescribing thousands of 20mg and 30mg oxycodone pills. McGregor's involvement allegedly led to prescriptions for 630 20mg pills and 12,040 30mg pills, while Lewis's participation resulted in 19,088 30mg pills being prescribed.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances carries severe consequences, including a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The investigation, spearheaded by FBI special agents under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, led to these charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray A. Mateo and Aaron L. Webman from the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit are representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that the charges against McGregor, Lewis, and Ferraro are merely accusations at this stage. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
