MONROE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO PHARMACY ROBBERY - Bellevue Rite-Aid Targeted
JOSHUA BOYD, 28, of Monroe, Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to robbing a Bellevue Rite-Aid Pharmacy in order to obtain oxycodone. Pharmacy robbery is a felony offense punishable by up to twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Court documents indicate that on Sunday, December 16, 2007, at approximately 12:30am, BOYD entered the Rite-Aid Pharmacy, 3905 Factoria Mall Boulevard SE, in Bellevue, WA 98006, for purposes of committing a robbery. BOYD handed the pharmacist a demand note that stated, “Pay attention!!! Stay calm!!! Do what I say and everything + everyone will be safe!!! I will shot you + her if you do something stupid!!” BOYD brandished what appeared to be a handgun, but was an air soft pellet gun, and verbally demanded “OxyContin”, a commercial form of oxycodone. The pharmacist handed several bottles of OxyContin to BOYD. BOYD left the pharmacy, and pharmacy staff called 911.
Police Officers arrived at the scene and a foot chase ensued. BOYD was taken into custody at a nearby office building. Officers recovered the demand note, the gun, and drugs. BOYD confessed to committing the robbery, stating he needed the drugs to feed his addiction to oxycodone.
More than 300 pills containing oxycodone, in varying strengths (10 mg, 20 mg, 40mg, and 80mg) were taken by BOYD during the robbery. BOYD agreed to pay restitution to the pharmacy for the value of the drugs taken.
BOYD is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly on September 11, 2008.
This case is part of a continuing Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation focused upon the unlawful diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and the targeting of pharmacies within the Western District of Washington and elsewhere. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in conjunction with the Bellevue Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald J. Friedman.
For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.
