Five Arrested in De Niro Grandson’s OD Death; Allegedly Supplied Thousands of Pills
Five individuals were apprehended on Thursday for their alleged involvement in distributing fentanyl-laced opioids. These drugs are linked to the overdose death of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the grandson of renowned actor Robert De Niro. The arrests highlight a larger issue of counterfeit prescription pills circulating among youth in New York City.
Details of the Arrests
The men arrested include Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas. Court documents indicate that this group was part of a broader criminal network, allegedly responsible for selling thousands of counterfeit pills.
Connection to Notable Deaths
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez suffered a fatal overdose in July 2023. The same group is also implicated in the overdose death of 19-year-old Akira Stein, the daughter of Chris Stein, who is the lead guitarist of the iconic band Blondie.
Individual Charges
- Grant McIver
- Bruce Epperson
- Eddie Barreto
- John Nicolas
- Roy Nicolas
Sophia Haley Marks, a 20-year-old alleged drug dealer known as the “Percocet Princess,” faces charges for reportedly selling the pills that led to De Niro Rodriguez’s overdose.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement remains focused on combating the circulation of counterfeit prescription drugs. These pills pose a significant risk to teens and young adults across the city. The situation underscores the urgency of addressing the opioid crisis, particularly in urban areas.
