Man arrested on pharmacy fraud attempt, suspect may be part of larger group
CHESTERTOWN — A Laurel, Maryland man was arrested April 15 after allegedly attempting to obtain prescription medication using fraudulent identification at a local pharmacy.
Francis Achang Okebugwu, 33, faces multiple charges including controlled dangerous substance (CDS) obtain by fraud, CDS obtain by false ID, prescription obtain by fraud and possession of a false government ID, according to a statement issued by the Chestertown police.
Police said Okebugwu first visited Chester River Pharmacy on Washington Avenue on April 14, attempting to fill a prescription for promethazine with codeine that staff identified as fraudulent. A report was taken and an investigation began.
The suspect returned the following day, claiming he needed to pick up a prescription for his friend and presenting a South Dakota driver's license. He left without the prescription or his license, which officers later determined was fake.
While an officer waited out of sight in the business, Okebugwu returned to the pharmacy to again attempt to retrieve both the prescription and his identification. He was then arrested.
Authorities believe the suspect may be part of a larger group responsible for similar incidents in the region. The Drug Enforcement Administration has been notified and will conduct its own investigation.
Okebugwu was seen by a District Court Commissioner and is being held without bond at the Kent County Detention Center pending trial.
All subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.