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Two Paterson Residents Conspired with Physician to Illegally Distribute Opioids
Jasmine McGregor and Jhenelle Lewis Admit to Role in Opioid Distribution Scheme with Dr. Lisa Ferraro
NEWARK, N.J. – Jasmine McGregor, 32, and Jhenelle Lewis, 35, both of Paterson, New Jersey, have pleaded guilty to conspiring with a physician to distribute oxycodone, a powerful opioid, without legitimate medical justification. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Guilty Pleas and Charges
McGregor and Lewis each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
Details of the Conspiracy
According to court documents and statements made in court, both McGregor and Lewis conspired with Dr. Lisa Ferraro, of Hillsdale, New Jersey, to prescribe oxycodone to individuals who were not Ferraro’s patients. These individuals were never physically examined or questioned by Ferraro to determine if there was a legitimate medical need for the medication.
- Jasmine McGregor's Involvement:
- Conspired with Ferraro from July 2022 to October 3, 2023.
- Ferraro wrote prescriptions for approximately 630 20mg oxycodone pills and approximately 11,410 30mg oxycodone pills during this period.
- Jhenelle Lewis's Involvement:
- Conspired with Ferraro from January 2019 to September 2023.
- Ferraro wrote prescriptions for approximately 9,450 30mg oxycodone pills during this period.
Dr. Lisa Ferraro has also been charged with the same offense. The charges against Ferraro are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Legal Consequences
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing hearings are scheduled for McGregor on November 20, 2024, and for Lewis on December 9, 2024.
Investigation and Acknowledgments
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI's special agents, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, for their investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray A. Mateo and Aaron L. Webman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
This case underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal distribution of prescription opioids and hold accountable those who contribute to the opioid crisis.
