Truth Pharm + Vilomah Foundation + Coalition of Impacted Families after Judge Arleo Delays Purdue Sentencing

NEWARK, NJ (04/28/2026) (readMedia)-- Following a significant development in federal court, advocates, families and survivors will return to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on April 28th to call on Judge Arleo to reject the plea.

On April 21, U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo delayed Purdue Pharma's sentencing by one week after realizing impacted family members were rallying outside of her court to allow more victims to be heard and for impacted family members to attend the court proceedings in person. The Court acknowledged that the voices of those directly impacted must be part of the proceedings.

Truth Pharm and the Vilomah Foundation had organized a coalition of survivors and advocacy groups to transform the courtyard into a memorial arts installation where rally goers shared their lived experience of being harmed by Purdue Pharma.

"This delay is a direct result of families showing up and demanding to be heard," said Alexis Pleus, Executive Director of Truth Pharm. "For too long, the people most harmed by Purdue's actions have been sidelined. This moment makes clear that their voices matter."

Purdue Pharma previously pleaded guilty in 2020 to federal criminal charges including defrauding the United States and violations related to opioid marketing and distribution. The pending sentencing is a critical step tied to broader bankruptcy proceedings that have limited victims' ability to pursue their legal right to restitution, and full accountability through the courts.

Advocates argue that the proposed resolution allows those responsible to avoid meaningful consequences while communities continue to experience the devastating impacts of the overdose crisis.

"If this process moves forward without fully hearing from victims, it reinforces a dangerous precedent," said Susan Ousterman, Executive Director of The Vilomah Foundation. "Families deserve more than symbolic acknowledgment. They deserve justice."

Visuals:

• Trail of Truth Cemetery showing lives lost due to Purdue's actions
• Bereaved families and survivors demonstrating
• Artivism installations
• Rally with impacted persons sharing their stories

Organizations: