Pharmacist allegedly steals 5,000 oxycodone pills
A Pennsylvania hospital pharmacist has been arraigned on charges she stole nearly 5,000 oxycodone pills by replacing them with Tylenol, according to a published report.
A Pennsylvania hospital pharmacist has been arraigned on charges she stole nearly 5,000 oxycodone pills by replacing them with Tylenol, according to a published report.
Montour County District Judge Marvin Shrawder released Amanda Kurtz, 32, of Elysburg, PA, who formerly worked at the Geisigner Medical Center in Danville, PA, on $25,000 bail.
Kurtz was charged with three counts each of misrepresentation of a controlled substance and possessing controlled substances, and two counts of misbranding controlled substances.
Police believe Kurtz replaced 4,494 oxycodone pills with Tylenol between January 2013 and May 2013. The Tylenol pills are similar in appearance to the oxycodone.
After conducting an inventory, the pharmacy discovered 3,300 oxycodone tablets were removed and replaced with Tylenol. According to police, Kurtz removed the oxycodone and placed the Tylenol in blister packs to be distributed to patients by nurses.
The hospital became suspicious after Kurtz tested positive for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and oxycodone, according to the report.
Subsequently, Kurtz’s husband turned over to police 600 painkillers he said he found hidden in his home.
