Hospital Pharmacist Accused of Stealing Hydromorphone
Hospital Pharmacist Accused of Stealing Hydromorphone
South Carolina hospital pharmacist is facing two counts of theft of hydromorphone from the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
A pharmacist from St. Helena was charged Monday by state health officials with stealing opioids from his employer, Beaufort Memorial Hospital, according to arrest warrants.
The pharmacist faces two counts of theft of a controlled substance from the Department of Health and Environmental Control, court and jails records show. The pharmacist is accused of stealing Hydromorphone, a Schedule II opioid, in late October 2019 from Beaufort Memorial, where he worked as a registered pharmacist, two warrants say. The opioid provides “relief of moderate to severe pain” and “has a high abuse and dependence potential and produces tolerance,” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Convictions of theft of a controlled substance, a felony, could bring up to 10 years in prison, according to S.C. law.
Approximate date(s) of the diversion:
08/19/2020
Where the Diversion Occurred:
Beaufort Memorial Hospital
955 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902
Type of Healthcare Facility:
Hospital
Has the incident been reported?
e.g. to local law enforcement, county board of health, state licensure board, and/or federal DEA or FDA authorities?
Yes
To whom has the incident been reported?
Local Law Enforcement, , and/or federal DEA or FDA authorities?
