Former federal agent sentenced to over 8 years in prison for involvement in South Florida painkiller trafficking ring
A former federal agent was sentenced to more than eight years in prison by the Miami federal court for his involvement in an illicit prescription painkiller operation in South Florida.
Alberico Ahias Crespo, 48, was sentenced on Wednesday.
He was previously convicted at trial of witness tampering, conspiracy to commit witness tampering, and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
The illicit operation
Crespo had previously served as a special agent with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General until his arrest in 2020.
Reports are that Crespo worked as part of a task force involved in healthcare fraud in South Florida and allegedly used his position to protect an oxycodone trafficking scheme and obstruct related fraud investigations.
Over a period spanning from November 2016 to July 2020, patient recruiters, who had previously faced convictions, played a pivotal role in an illegal scheme to traffic oxycodone.
This operation encompassed patients, pharmacies, and medical clinics in South Florida.
It is reported that Crespo had been friends with one of the recruiters and used his position to protect the drug operation.
Sharing sensitive information
Prosecutors said that Crespo shared sensitive information about ongoing investigations with his friend.
Furthermore, he allegedly coached his friend on how to deceive investigators and tamper with evidence.
Before his arrest in 2020, Crespo had held a position of authority as a special agent within the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
