Eustis pharmacy tech accused of stealing more than 70 prescription pills

EUSTIS, Fla. — Investigators said a pharmacy technician was stealing prescription pills from her job at a Walgreens on Ardice Avenue in Eustis.

Maureen Shaughnessy, 56, was filling legitimate prescriptions to get the pills, investigators said.

Deputies said Shaughnessy was caught on camera stealing more than 70 hydrocodone pills, and authorities believe she stole hundreds more. %

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Walgreens’ loss prevention discovered as many as 1,000 hydrocodone pills disappeared during the past year.

"They thought there was an employee there that was skimming hydrocodone," said Fred Jones of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

The store teamed up with the sheriff’s office and they set up a sting and added hidden cameras.

Investigators said the hidden cameras caught Shaughnessy stealing the pills.

Officials said the video shows her filling a legitimate order and then filling a bottle for herself.

“It appears she dumped it out, but she actually took it and put it into her purse, we believe," Jones said.

Officials said they don’t believe she was stealing for any patients.

Customers said they were surprised.

"I don't know if the person has a drug problem or whatever. But if they have a drug problem, I hope they get help," said a customer.

Customers said they were relieved that no patients lost medication.

“You don't want anyone taking medication that they aren't prescribed for, and secondly, it’s not legally theirs," said customer Jacob Albright.

Shaughnessy was arrested on felony drug trafficking charges.

Cox Media Group