Baltimore dental network exposed: family orchestrated oxycodone scheme
A coordinated effort involving a dental assistant, her family, and a licensed dentist has resulted in criminal convictions and significant penalties, exposing a sophisticated scheme to distribute controlled substances.
A web of deceit: the case unravels
Baltimore County prosecutors announced Wednesday the guilty pleas and sentencing of multiple individuals linked to the illicit distribution of oxycodone. At the heart of the case lies Samantha Cook, a part-time dental assistant at Perry Hall Family Dental, who was handed a three-year supervised probation sentence, alongside 100 hours of community service, effectively barring her from practicing within any healthcare setting.
But the scope of the operation extended far beyond Cook. Her step-grandmother, Janice Deese, received probation before judgment with 18 months of supervised release, while her mother, Alice Deese, was sentenced to probation before judgment and a five-year period of supervised release. Dr. Andrew Fried, the dentist at Perry Hall Family Dental, also faced consequences, receiving three years of supervised probation and permanent restrictions on his ability to provide medical services.
$100,000 In pills: a calculated operation
The investigation, which spanned from January to May 2025, revealed a chilling pattern of behavior. Investigators uncovered that Dr. Fried had been purchasing over $100,000 worth of oxycodone pills directly from Cook, utilizing her familial connections to facilitate the transactions. This illicit supply chain was fueled by Medicaid benefits fraudulently exploited by the Deese women, effectively turning taxpayer dollars into a dangerous stream of narcotics.
Evidence presented during the case included a prescription bottle belonging to Alice Deese and another containing barbiturates for her pet dog, discovered in Dr. Fried’s office – a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of this operation. Dr. Fried himself admitted to supplying Cook with weekly quantities of oxycodone, admitting to using the drugs during dental procedures.
The sting of controlled substances
Attorney General Anthony Brown characterized the case as a “devastating blow” to the community, stating, “Abusing Medicare and Medicaid benefits to supply illegal opioids doesn’t just break the law, it devastates families and communities.” The Attorney General’s office emphasized that oxycodone is a “Schedule II-Controlled Substance” due to its high potential for addiction and serious health consequences. This case highlights the ongoing struggle to combat the opioid crisis and the lengths to which individuals will go to exploit vulnerable systems.
A concrete outcome
The convictions underscore a commitment to dismantling criminal networks and holding accountable those who prioritize personal gain over public safety. The legal ramifications for these individuals represent a significant step in addressing the opioid epidemic plaguing Maryland.