Man from Hampstead among those charged in prescription fraud investigation | Crime

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Law enforcement from Pender County joined the Onslow County Sheriff's Office in a joint investigation of alleged prescription fraud.

A man from Hampstead was among three people to be charged in the operation. Michael Jones faces multiple counts of trafficking of opiates, conspiracy to traffic opiates, obtaining prescription medications by fraudulent prescriptions. Jones' bond was set at $526,000.

A couple other people from Onslow County face charges related to issues in Surf City. Christopher G. Cherico from Sneads Ferry is charged with multiple counts of trafficking of opiates, conspiracy to traffic opiates, obtaining prescription medications by fraudulent prescriptions, possession with the intent to sell and deliver schedule II controlled substances, manufacture schedule II controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is at $350,000.

Jennifer Cherry from Camp Lejeune faces charges from issues in Surf City as well.  She's charged with trafficking of opiates, multiple counts of conspiracy to traffic opiates and obtaining prescription medications by fraudulent prescriptions. Her bond is $35,000.

The Surf City Police Department and Pender County Sheriff's Department joined the Onslow County Sheriff's Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Services and Beaufort Police Department in the investigation. Police say more than 80 fraudulent prescriptions are suspected of being passed around during this investigation.

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