Sophia Haley Marks, also known as the “Percocet Princess,” has been accused of selling drugs to Robert De Niro’s grandson, which allegedly led to his suspected overdose, according to law enforcement sources, Your Content has learned.
Marks was held without bail on federal narcotics charges in Manhattan after allegedly selling counterfeit Oxycodone and Xanax pills containing fentanyl to Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, 19, as stated in a criminal indictment.
Rodriguez initially contacted Marks on June 30, expressing interest in buying “thirties” – blue counterfeit Oxycodone pills. In response, Marks reportedly warned him about the potential dangers and stated, “I don’t wanna kill u.”
She also mentioned that the pills were not prescription-grade. Despite the warning, Rodriguez inquired whether the pills were mixed with fentanyl or heroin, to which Marks allegedly agreed to sell him three pressed Oxycodone pills and two Xanax pills for $105.
Using a car service, Marks sent the pills to Rodriguez around 9:30 p.m. on July 1, according to law enforcement sources. She followed up with a text at 2 a.m., asking about his well-being, but Rodriguez did not respond. Sadly, Rodriguez was discovered dead in his Financial District apartment on July 2, and police suspect it was due to an overdose.
Following the tragic incident, Marks allegedly sold an additional 50 painkillers to undercover officers for $1,000. During one of these transactions, she reportedly disclosed that a 19-year-old friend of hers had died after consuming one of the pills on June 14, several weeks prior to Rodriguez’s apparent overdose.
Upon her arrest on Thursday evening, officers found 156 pills and $1,500 in cash in her possession.
Marks appeared in Manhattan federal court on Friday, facing three counts of narcotics distribution. She was held without bail and could potentially face up to 60 years in prison. In court, Marks appeared thin, pale, and emotionless, donning a black T-shirt. She only greeted the judge with a simple “good afternoon” and answered affirmatively when asked if she understood the charges.
Marks could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years behind bars for each count. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 14. Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated, “Last night, my Office authorized the arrest of Sophia Marks in connection with her distribution of fake oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl.
At least one of Marks’s counterfeit pills was purchased and taken by a teenager who subsequently died of a suspected overdose. The arrest was critical because, as we allege, Marks knew the pills could kill, and she continued selling them anyway. The investigation is ongoing”, according to New York Post.