Date: 08-15-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK,” a/k/a “Michael Sylvain”

Case Number: 1:24-cr-10240

Judge: F. Dannis Saylor, IV

Court: The United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Suffolk County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Boston

Defendant's Attorney:

Click Here For The Best Boston, Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory

Description:

Boston, Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Drug Offenses and Pandemic Loan Fraud
Large-Scale Counterfeit Pill Manufacturer Indicted on Drug Offenses and Pandemic Loan Fraud

Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK,” a/k/a “Michael Sylvain,” 33, was charged with possession of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud.

Oppenheimer is alleged to be technically skilled in the chemical processes used in the synthesis of fentanyl, the compounding of controlled substances for distribution and the manufacturing of counterfeit pills. As alleged, recipes, pill press molds used in the manufacturing process, documents and invoices demonstrating that Oppenheimer purchased numerous pill presses and parts for pill presses from online vendors were seized. It also alleged that multiple packages shipped from China to Oppenheimer, and various associates of Oppenheimer, that contained pill press parts were also seized.

It is alleged that since 2019, Oppenheimer obtained over 200 kilograms of these filler powders. According to the recipes recovered during the investigation, when manufactured into counterfeit pills, 200 kilograms of filler powder equates to millions of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Oppenheimer is alleged to have communicated directly with an illegal chemical supplier based in China. Oppenheimer allegedly inquired about the availability of controlled substances and fentanyl precursor chemicals and sought to purchase kilogram quantities of these substances. Fentanyl precursor chemicals are substances that can be used to synthesize raw fentanyl in a laboratory setting. It is alleged that Oppenheimer sought to synthesize his own fentanyl through the importation of these fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States.

Lastly, Oppenheimer is alleged to have obtained over $40,000 through two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications that were submitted in April 2021 over the internet. Oppenheimer is also alleged to have submitted false statements concerning his income through self-employment for the 2019 tax years and provided false tax return documents substantiating that income.

During the execution of a search warrant on Parker Street in Cambridge on July 18, 2024, over five kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were recovered. Based on prior felony convictions, Oppenheimer is prohibited from possessing firearms.


The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of wire fraud provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Matthew McCarthy, Acting Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Interim Colonel Mawn, Jr of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cambridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Outcome:

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: