Narcotics distribution ring investigation takes 7 DC firefighters off the street
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Seven D.C. firefighters have been under investigation since last summer for allegedly taking part in an oxycodone distribution ring. It is a scheme uncovered after investigators in St. Mary’s County searched the phone and computer of a veteran lieutenant.
Five of the seven have been off the street since July while two others have resigned from the department.
Multiple sources familiar with the case say it all began with the arrest of Henry Dent — a lieutenant who investigators say walked into a St. Mary’s County pharmacy last March where he tried to pass a fake prescription for oxycodone while dressed in his fire department uniform.
From there, sources say, the case took off when investigators started looking at the emails and text messages on his phone and computer.
Until recently, Dent was a lieutenant assigned to Truck 12 in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Northwest D.C.
He handed in his resignation after being told he was going to be terminated.
According to court documents, investigators with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and sources familiar with the investigation, Dent was passing fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone at multiple pharmacies in the Washington metropolitan area until he was stopped leaving a southern Maryland pharmacy.
Back on March 6, the sheriff’s office says they found Dent in his firefighter uniform trying to pass a fraudulent prescription for oxycodone at a pharmacy in Charlotte Hall. They arrested Dent and the sheriff’s office says they also found other numerous fraudulent prescriptions which they say Dent admitted to making.
In fact, investigators in St. Mary’s County say they found dent with 18 fraudulent prescriptions and six empty prescription bottles.
Now, here is the twist. Dent caught a break with prosecutors who dropped the charges after reviewing numerous documents they now believe to be fakes. Documents provided to the court by Dent. It is an allegation Dent denies.
The state’s attorney’s office and investigators with the sheriff’s office both confirm the investigation has been reopened and Dent may be facing additional charges.
They also confirm the feds have joined the investigation.
As for the six other firefighters? Sources say documents and messages found on Dent’s electronic devices led them to the other firefighters who are now under investigation. The implication being they were distributing it amongst themselves.
Interim D.C. Fire and EMS Chief Eugene Jones declined to comment on camera, but in a statement, said in part:
“…as you may be aware this issue is being investigated by the Federal Government. I nor the Department will take any action or disclose any information that may impede or hinder a Federal Investigation.”
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, oxycodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic which is popular with drug abusers. It gives users a sense of euphoria and feelings of relaxation.
The firefighter’s union also released a statement which reads in part:
“We hope that these allegations prove to be unfounded, but we can assure you we will do everything to make certain our mission of serving the people of the Nation’s Capital is not impacted.”
Sources familiar with the investigation say the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been looking at the evidence since last July, but no charges have been filed.
Over the last week, FOX 5 has given Dent numerous opportunities to tell his side of the story on camera. He declined, but in several phone conversations, Dent denied falsifying documents, says he is clean and sober and denies distributing drugs to the other firefighters under investigation.
He admits taking oxycodone, but said it was for personal use after being injured in an accident involving a fire truck.
