BREAKING NEWS: Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic overdose deaths of Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, and the daughter of Chris Stein, co-founder of the band Blondie. The arrests were made on Thursday, marking a significant development in this ongoing investigation into the distribution of deadly counterfeit drugs.
According to prosecutors, the newly apprehended suspects—Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas—were part of a criminal network that flooded New York City with thousands of counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl. This operation targeted teenagers and young adults, leading to devastating consequences.
The indictment reveals that the fentanyl-laced pills sold by these defendants directly resulted in the deaths of three 19-year-olds, including both Leandro and Akira Stein. While the indictment does not explicitly name the victims, law enforcement sources have confirmed their identities to ABC News.
The initial arrest of Sofia Marks, dubbed the “Percocet Princess,” in 2023, linked her to the sales of the drugs that contributed to Leandro’s overdose. This latest wave of arrests underscores the severity of the opioid crisis gripping not only New York City but also the entire nation.
A press conference by the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is set for 3 p.m. today, where officials will provide further details on the investigation and the implications of these arrests.
This shocking incident highlights the urgent need for action against the rampant distribution of counterfeit drugs that are taking lives. Families and communities are left to grapple with the aftermath of such preventable tragedies, emphasizing the human cost of the opioid epidemic.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to step forward. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for the press conference later today, which promises to shed more light on this critical issue.
