Six Iowa nursing home employees accused of stealing painkillers

Hydrocodone Has Dark Side as Recreational Drug

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Six Iowa women are accused by Federal prosecutors of stealing drugs from residents at the nursing homes where they worked.

Investigators say they used their employment at nursing homes to steal painkillers including Oxycodon and Fentanyl from residents. Charges of "acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge" were filed against:

  • Arminda Cruickshank, 36, Calvin Community and Valley View Village nursing homes in Des Moines
  • Katie Howard, 31, University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Des Moines
  • Samantha Mills, 29, Des Moines
  • Alicia Swenson, 32, Carlisle Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation
  • Barbara Tindall, 47, Keosauqua Health Care Center and Savannah Heights in Mount Pleasant
  • Christine Weilbrenner, 30, The Bridges of Ankeny

WHO Channel 13 reports Howard has pleaded guilty to two counts. She will be sentenced in July. 

The five other suspects have all pleaded not guilty.


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