JEAN PINKARD

DETROIT – Four doctors, two nurse practitioners and three pharmacists are among the 19 people who have been indicted in connection with an elaborate drug scheme that went on for years, officials said. The opioid epidemic is still very much a problem in Metro Detroit, with people addicted to and dying from pain pills, heroin and fentanyl. Oxycodone, Percocet and hydrocodone are powerful pain pills that were pedaled on the streets for cash. “These people are greedy and they don’t care about the average citizen,” said Steve Dolunt, the former assistant Detroit police chief. “Average people, some people, have pain,” Dolunt said.

ChargesRankin is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and 36 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Brunt is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and 12 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Beth Carter is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and five counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Sabbagh and King are each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Bason is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.