Three people from Akron have been indicted in federal court for forging the signatures of medical professionals to illegally obtain thousands of Oxycodone pills and other drugs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Dennie Rowland, 46, of Hartville, Candi A. Webb, 34, of Akron and Richard L. Overdorf, 34, of Akron were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances such as Oxycodone between December 2015 through November 2016.
Rowland and Webb worked at a doctor's office together, where the doctors and nurses could prescribe medicine, unlike Rowland and Webb, who didn't have authority to prescribe medication.
Authorities say Rowland and Webb they took the prescription pads from the office and forged the signatures of doctors and nurses, writing them to relatives, friends and other acquaintances without their knowledge.
Rowland, Webb and Overdorf presented the prescriptions at pharmacies in Akron, North Canton and other areas where they used the drugs for themselves while also selling some, according to officials.
“These defendants illegally put thousands of doses of Oxycodone on the streets of Akron and Canton at time when pills, heroin and fentanyl were killing so many people in our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff's Office.
