A 62-year-old woman who used to work as a pharmacist in New Jersey is currently facing a host of legal problems. Her problems stem from behavior that police allege took place in connection with her handling of certain pharmaceutical drugs, including oxycodone. This is a synthetic analgesic drug that produces effects similar to morphine. Prosecutors have charged the ex-pharmacist with drug crimes, stating that she illegally distributed this drug, as well as other controlled substances.
The defendant co-owned and was the pharmacist in charge of a drug store in Trenton. It is alleged that between 2014 and 2017, the woman unlawfully dispensed oxycodone and other drugs. She is accused of dispensing oxycodone to customers who paid cash and who submitted fraudulent prescriptions for the medication. Investigators also claim that the woman altered the store’s dispensing records so that the inventory would not be missed.
Investigators say that an audit shows 80,000 pills were dispensed
Allegedly, about 80,000 pills containing approximately 2 kilograms of oxycodone were diverted through the pharmacy between 2015 and 2017. Penalties under conviction for the crimes of which the woman is accused include up to 60 years in prison on all counts combined, as well as up to $1.5 million in fines. The woman’s husband has also been arrested on tax evasion charges apparently unrelated to the drug crimes accusations.
Securing strong criminal defense support from the start
These types of legal problems can take months or longer to be adjudicated. While there is no way to predict with 100% accuracy what an ultimate outcome might be, it is always helpful to consult with an experienced criminal law attorney in New Jersey before heading to court. The attorney can carefully review a case and make recommendations as to what type of defense strategy may best help to mitigate one’s circumstances.