Alleged drug deliveryman to await judge’s ruling | News, Sports, Jobs

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Alleged drug deliveryman to await judge’s ruling | News, Sports, Jobs

A federal court judge will decide whether a Galeton man was involved in a conspiracy to distribute oxycontin and fentanyl to users and sellers of heroin to buy more heroin.

Chief U.S. Middle District Judge Christopher C. Conner will decide whether David Piaquadio is guilty following a two-day bench trial which began earlier this week, according to court officials.

Piaquadio allegedly obtained Medicaid and submitted claims to pay nothing to receive the pain-relief pills and patches from pharmacies in Galeton and Wellsboro, court documents said.

Addicts crush to snort and mix the patches in juice and inject it to get high, according to prosecutors.

Piaquodio allegedly was involved in a conspiracy to distribute the drugs between 2011 and 2015 in Tioga, Potter and Lycoming counties, prosecutors said.

The conspirators allegedly sold the tablets and cut up the patches to users and sellers of heroin. The proceeds were then used to buy heroin in the city, state police and prosecutors said.

Piaquodio is charged with three counts each of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Witnesses at the non-jury trial include a state trooper and a police chief, and prosecutors used exhibits from the Galeton Hose Co., pharmacies and a hospital.

A federal court official said Wednesday the judge had not made a ruling as of press time.





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