New Jersey Pharmacist Accused of Stealing Drugs
An article in the Manville News reported that a 53-year-old pharmacist was accused of stealing drugs from a local CVS store. The suspect was charged with third degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance and third degree theft. According to police, the suspect took various quantities of the drugs, Tussionex and Hycodan, during his employment with the store.
Hycodan and Tussionex are synthetic prescription drugs used to relieve pain. Both drugs can have side effects that cause drowsiness, dizziness, euphoria, and constipation. The suspect’s employer used a hidden camera to monitor the suspect. Allegedly, the camera captured images of the suspect taking the drugs and transferring them to a 2 ounce bottle, which he placed in his pocket.
The prosecutor claims that the suspect supposedly transferred the drugs, but he failed to write prescriptions for the drugs on the days that the transfers were caught on camera. The employer drug usage reports allege that the suspect should not have managed the two drugs on the days that were in the camera footage.
The suspect turned himself into the Somerset County prosecutor’s office Special Investigation Unit. He was released on bond.
New Jersey laws for possession of a controlled substance are more severe than those of other states. A person accused of possession of a controlled substance in New Jersey can face up to 5 years in prison in addition to losing his or her driver’s license. Also, a person charged with this serious crime can be fined up to $35,000.
The New Jersey drug possession attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein have defended numerous clients against drug crime charges, including possession of a controlled dangerous substance. If you are accused of a drug crime, exercise your right to have an attorney present before questioning. At Lependorf & Silverstein, our aggressive criminal defense lawyers offer free confidential, consultations. Contact us today by calling 609-240-0040.
