HARRISBURG — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle), published as received.

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Donte Lucas, age 27, and Jania Aceituno, age 26, both of Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, were indicted on July 10, 2024, on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Lucas, Aceituno, and their coconspirators used stolen identities and DEA registration numbers of healthcare providers to order fraudulent prescription medications at various pharmacies. The indictment further alleges that Lucas, Aceituno, and their coconspirators obtained and distributed those prescription medications, including the controlled substance Promethazine with Codeine—commonly known as “Lean” on the street.

“Fraudulently obtaining controlled prescription drugs violates FDA requirements which exist to ensure that the drugs are safe and used under the supervision of licensed medical practitioners,” said Special Agent in Charge George Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to thoroughly investigate those who endanger public health by undermining the integrity of the U.S. supply chain for these tightly controlled drugs.”

The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the wire fraud conspiracy offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The aggravated identity theft offense carries a mandatory two-year sentence of imprisonment that is to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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