Smithfield Police Arrest Nursing Home Employee In Oxycodone Theft Case
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A Johnston County nursing home employee has been charged after police say dozens of prescription oxycodone pills intended for residents were stolen.
The investigation began around 4:27 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, when Smithfield police responded to Smithfield Manor, located at 902 Berkshire Road, after staff discovered a shortage of 40 oxycodone tablets during a shift change.
According to police, Natarasha Monique Williams, 42, of Kenly, was the only nurse on duty with a key providing access to the medication.
Investigators said Williams consented to a search of her vehicle. During the search, officers reportedly recovered approximately 28 oxycodone pills along with a nursing home narcotics log book used to document the dispensing of controlled medications.
Williams was arrested and charged with larceny by an employee, embezzling or diverting a controlled substance by a registrant or practitioner, and simple possession of a controlled substance.
In response to questions from Johnston County Report, Wendy Stroud, Administrator at Smithfield Manor, said the facility is working with investigators while gathering additional information about the incident.
“At this time, we are gathering the facts and information related to this matter. Our top priority is to provide quality care while maintaining the health and safety of our residents and staff. As a community healthcare provider for more than 40 years, we take our commitment to care seriously. At this time, we are unable to comment regarding any employment actions related to this ongoing investigation, however, we will continue to gather and assess the necessary facts and information as we work with local and state agencies regarding this situation.”
Williams was released from the Johnston County Detention Center after a bail bondsman posted her $20,000 secured bond.
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Thankfully, dopers aren’t very smart, as those pills are very very carefully controlled.
Exactly
I’m not at all surprised. They completely neglected my mother. And caused her ultimate demise. It’s a horrible place
Amen. They dropped my mom out of her bed and broke her leg. She is 84 yrs old.
Awful place
My guess is she doesn’t work there anymore. And only 28 pills left? someone’s selling them. Dumb butt.
There goes her job lol DUMMY
Hope it was worth throwing away a nursing career.
Horrible character
Not at all surprised that this happened at SM.
I am a former employee at Smithfield Manor. I was employee of the month there. Just saddened by what is going on there now. The residents pay a lot of money. Should receive the upmost of care.