In the latest blow against illegal drug trafficking, a Texas pharmacist was convicted on June 9, 2023, for a role in a major opioid distribution conspiracy. The Southern District of Texas Federal Jury announced the conviction of Sokari “Momma” Bobmanuel, the 63-year-old owner and chief pharmacist of Cornerstone Rx Pharmacy, based in Houston.
Bobmanuel, according to evidence presented in court, was an integral part of a nefarious scheme. From May 2018 to August 2019, her pharmacy illegitimately distributed nearly 160,000 opioid pills, including oxycodone and hydrocodone. Instead of serving the community, Cornerstone became a hub for illegal drug distribution.
The Scheme
Bobmanuel’s modus operandi was outside the scope of professional practice, operating without a legitimate medical purpose. What makes this situation particularly appalling is that individuals purchased prescriptions in the names of other people, only to turn around and sell these pills on the black market. The profit margins were staggering—Bobmanuel charged over $1,000 for a single oxycodone prescription, generating more than $1 million from the scheme.
Charges and Potential Penalties
The jury found Bobmanuel guilty of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances and another for maintaining a drug-involved premises. Consequently, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count, totaling a potential 40 years behind bars. A federal district court judge will decide the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20.
Further Convictions
In addition to Bobmanuel, 11 other defendants, including a physician and two nurse practitioners, have pleaded guilty to their involvement in the conspiracy. This underscores the depth of the illegal operation and the importance of the ongoing crackdown on opioid distribution.
The case was announced by high-ranking officials including Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agents in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the DEA Houston Division and James Smith of the FBI Houston Field Office. They emphasized the cooperative effort between agencies, with the DEA Houston Division and FBI leading the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Emily Petro, Monica Cooper, Ariel Glasner, and Courtney Chester of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman for the Southern District of Texas is handling forfeiture.
Xylo News 