Former nurse accused of stealing drugs from workplace

BERLIN –- A Somerset woman is facing charges after being accused of stealing prescription drugs from a nursing home where she used to work.

Christine Steinkirchner, 47, of the 300 block of Hugus Street, has been charged by Berlin Borough police with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property and theft by deception.

According to a criminal complaint, police said that on Oct. 30 they responded to a call at Meadow View Nursing Center in Berlin, where Steinkirchner was employed as a licensed practical nurse.

Police said they were informed that Steinkirchner had been terminated after problems were identified with her record keeping on medications that were supposed to be documented in an electronic system, but weren’t.

From March to October, there was a gradual increase in medications not being logged into the computer system, an audit revealed.

“A total of 277 discrepancies were noticed for 30 separate residents,” the complaint said, “all of which are Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.”

Police allege that Steinkirchner stole $251.47 in prescription medicines. The narcotics included Norco, oxycodone, Tramadol, hydrocodone and Percocet.