In a USAO press release dated March 19, 2013, U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger announced the charges brought by indictment also of March 19, of Edward Schaeffer, 29, and William Webb 40, both residents of Philadelphia.
The indictment charged both men with conspiracy, interfering with interstate commerce by robbery, possessing and brandishing unlicensed firearms during a crime of violence. And according to the indictment, the men are accused of conspiring to rob 19 pharmacies to secure prescription drugs such as oxycontin, oxycodone, Xanax and percocet.
Webb and Schaeffer were arrested in November, 2012 after robbing the Rite Aid pharmacy at 8130 Roosevelt Blvd. A joint task force led by ATF agents investigated that and 16 other similar heists since January 2012, and the ATF announced a $50,000 reward in October.
If convicted on all charges, both men face a maximum of life in prison, five years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $1.25 million and a $500 special assessment. They also face a mandatory 32 years in prison consecutive to any other sentence.
The Violent Crime Task Force, a permanent ATF initiative, includes ATF agents, Philadelphia police detectives, and Philadelphia police officers. The Abington Township Police Department and Borough of Glenolden Police Department also took part in the investigation.
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