Former City Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charges

PHILADELPHIA—Arlene Gerson, 46, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and attempted distribution of oxycodone, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Sentencing has been set for July 12, 2013, before the Honorable Stewart Dalzell of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Gerson faces an advisory sentencing guideline range of 57 to 71 months in prison.

Gerson was working as a pharmacist at various locations, including a health clinic run by the City of Philadelphia known as Health Center #5. Gerson used that position to access blank prescription pads, doctors’ identification information, patient identification information, and patient health insurance information in creating phony prescriptions. Gerson or one of their associates then took the false prescription to a pharmacy to be filled. Gerson and her associates then allegedly sold a portion of the controlled substances for a profit.

The case was investigated by FBI, the Philadelphia Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Livermore.