Ask Onix
Five charged in fentanyl distribution network tied to three overdose deaths
New York authorities have charged five individuals in connection with a fentanyl distribution operation allegedly responsible for the overdose deaths of three 19-year-olds, including Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the grandson of actor Robert De Niro, and Akira Stein, daughter of Blondie co-founder Chris Stein. A third victim remains unnamed.
Defendants and charges
The suspects-Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas-face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl-laced pills, according to a statement from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. If convicted, they could receive mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Prosecutors allege the group operated a social media-driven drug network, selling counterfeit prescription opioids to teenagers and young adults in New York between January and July 2023. The pills, disguised as legitimate medication, contained lethal doses of fentanyl.
Timeline of the deaths
Investigators claim the network's drugs led to at least three fatalities:
- Akira Stein died on 30 May 2023 after allegedly purchasing fentanyl-laced pills from John and Roy Nicolas.
- An unnamed 19-year-old victim died on 13 June 2023 after obtaining pills through an intermediary linked to Grant McIver.
- Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez died on 2 July 2023 from pills traced back to a dealer supplied by McIver, Epperson, and Barreto.
Separate arrest in De Niro-Rodriguez case
In a related 2023 case, a woman was arrested for allegedly selling De Niro-Rodriguez three counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl-the drugs believed to have caused his death-along with Xanax tablets. The woman's case remains separate from the current indictments.
Family statements
Following his grandson's death, Robert De Niro released a statement expressing his devastation, calling Leandro his "beloved grandson" and the only child of his daughter, Drena. On Thursday, Chris Stein posted on Instagram, acknowledging the arrests in his daughter's case and thanking officials "for this hope of some justice for her."
Official response
"Through their alleged actions, these defendants left behind a trail of irreversible loss that cut short the lives of three teenagers who held boundless potential and who had already made profound, immeasurable impacts on those who knew them,"
Ricky Patel, HSI New York special agent in charge
Authorities emphasize the operation's reliance on encrypted messaging apps to evade detection while targeting vulnerable young buyers. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for trial.
