13 indicted on prescription drug fraud charges

Federal and state authorities have arrested 13 people following a multi-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration into prescription fraud and illicit sales of prescription drugs in the Permian Basin, a U.S. Department of Justice news release said.

All 13 were indicted by a federal grand jury seated in Midland on July 22. The defendants and their charges are:

>> Lindsey Renee Sammons, 27, of Midland: 17 counts of acquisition of hydrocodone by fraud.

>> Lawana Lorene Burrow, 43, of Midland: Two counts of distribution of methadone.

>> Walter Ray Burrow, 41, of Midland: One count of distribution of methadone.

>> Norma Jean Spencer, 51, of Midland: Two counts of distribution of hydrocodone.

>> Emily Rene Bynum, 22, of Grand Saline: Five counts of acquisition of hydrocodone, diazepam, and clonazepam by fraud.

>> Lourdes “ Lou” Sanchez, 34, of Midland: Three counts of distribution of hydrocodone and 7 counts of acquisition of hydrocodone by fraud.

>> Melissa Brook Hernandez. 25, of Midland: Two counts of distribution of hydrocodone.

>> Roy Arnett Claudrick, 53, of Midland: Two counts of distribution of hydrocodone.

>> David Wayne Harris, 58, of Midland: Two counts of distribution of hydrocodone.

>> Gilberto Lujan Martinez, 49, of San Angelo: One count of distribution of hydrocodone;

>> Clara Martinez, 75, of Midland: One count of distribution of hydrocodone.

>> Michelle Herman, 34, of Odessa: Conspiracy to distribute hydrocodone, and acquisition of hydrocodone by fraud.

>> Teena Johnson, 40, of Odessa: Conspiracy to distribute hydrocodone.

According to authorities, the defendants have each been charged, on various dates during the previous 12 months, of either illegally selling prescription drugs to undercover officers/cooperating witnesses or acquiring prescription drugs using forged prescriptions, or both.

Distribution of methadone is punishable by a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million. Distribution of hydrocodone, and conspiracy to do the same, is punishable by a maximum prison term of five years and a $250,000 fine. Each instance of acquisition of a prescription drug by fraud is punishable by a prison term of up to four years and a $250,000 fine.

All defendants are presently set for jury trial in October 2009.