Montgomery, Eden Prairie men indicted

A former pharmacy employee at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and an Eden Prairie man were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute more than 40,000 units of hydrocodone, often known as Vicodin.

Michael Gordon Smith, 49, from Montgomery, who was employed at Abbott Northwestern as a pharmacy purchaser, and Daniel Charles Flaherty, 50, from Eden Prairie, were both charged in an indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute hydrocodone. Smith was also charged with one count of distribution of hydrocodone. Flaherty was also charged with one count of possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possessing with the intent to distribute hydrocodone.

A state search warrant was executed at Flaherty’s Eden Prairie residence in November 2005. During the search, officers seized 17 bottles of hydrocodone, numerous empty bottles of hydrocodone, and $260,424 in U.S. Currency from a safe and a downstairs bedroom.

The case is the result of an extensive investigation by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the West Metro Drug Task Force, the South West Hennepin Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This case shows the value of these joint task forces and cooperation with our federal partners,” said Sheriff Patrick D. McGowan.

If convicted, Flaherty and Smith face maximum potential penalties of five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine on each count of conspiracy and distribution of hydrocodone. Flaherty also faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison for distribution of cocaine. Any sentences would be determined by a judge.

Assistant United States Attorney Omar Syed is prosecuting the case.