Grand jury indicts Rockland woman

BANGOR – U.S. Attorney Paula D. Silsby said Thursday that the federal grand jury sitting in Bangor returned an indictment against Rochelle Kenney of Rockland on charges of health care fraud, resulting in death; distribution of methadone, resulting in death; and distribution of diazepam. The charges are related to the April 26, 2005, overdose death of John Kenney.

The health care fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment. The methadone distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment. The diazepam distribution charge carries a maximum potential penalty of three years’ imprisonment.

Kenney entered not guilty pleas to all three charges and was released on bail during a hearing in U.S. District Court in Bangor.

Silsby praised the investigation conducted by the Knox County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.