Pittsburgh Review

Twelve residents from western Pennsylvania and one from Indiana have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for allegedly conspiring to distribute oxycodone. The charges, announced by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan, involve two separate but related indictments. One indictment contains a single count, while the other comprises 22 counts.

Each indictment names six defendants from western Pennsylvania. The 22-count indictment also includes Dr. Martin J. Maassen of Lafayette, Indiana, who is charged with distributing a Schedule II controlled substance. Additionally, Maassen faces 21 counts of unlawfully distributing Adderall.

The alleged conspiracies cover activities from January 2019 to July 2024 for the 22-count indictment and December 2019 to July 2024 for the one-count indictment. The conspiracy charges allege that the defendants planned to distribute and possess oxycodone with intent to distribute it.

If convicted on the conspiracy charge, defendants could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Maassen could face an additional penalty of up to 20 years for each charge related to controlled substance distribution. Sentencing would depend on the severity of offenses and any prior criminal history.

U.S. Attorney Olshan commented on the issue: “The illegal distribution of addictive and deadly drugs continues to tear apart communities throughout western Pennsylvania and the rest of the country.” He emphasized that these charges highlight law enforcement's commitment "to hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division, expressed concern over the allegations against Dr. Maassen: “Doctors such as Maassen have a legal and moral obligation...Maassen allegedly did neither.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is leading prosecution efforts for this case.

The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, among others.

These cases are part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations aimed at dismantling high-level drug trafficking organizations using a collaborative approach involving various law enforcement agencies.

An indictment is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.