Edison Man Helped Give Opioids To Drug Ring: NJAG

EDISON, NJ — An Edison man was sentenced to seven years in state prison for his role in supplying opioids to a drug ring, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said.

Andrew Stoveken, 68, of Edison, will remain free on bail as he pursues an appeal. Stoveken pleaded guilty in August to charges of conspiracy and distribution of controlled dangerous substance.

According to Grewal, Stoveken acted as the middleman between a doctor and a drug ring to help move the opioids. Stoveken, who ran a hearing aid company, shared an office with Dr. George Beecher, 78, of New Providence.

Beecher, who pleaded guilty earlier this year, wrote prescriptions for opioids for Stoveken under various names. Stoveken then handed those prescriptions over to the drug ring.

“Stoveken profited by facilitating the illicit distribution of thousands of high-dose oxycodone pills,” said Grewal. “This prison sentence reflects our determination to stop the pill mills supplying the black market for opioid pain pills, which are starting so many users on the devastating and often deadly path of opioid addiction.”

In addition to Stoveken and Beecher, seven members of the ring all pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution of oxycodone.

Image via NJ AG