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A large quantity of fentanyl vials were reported stolen from Mountain Laurel Surgery Center, 1860 Fair Ave., Honesdale in October at of 2016. The arrest came as a result of the ensuing investigation.
The accused was an employee at the medical facility at the time of the reported theft.
Feldner was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, a felony, Possession of Fentanyl, a misdemeanor and Tampering with Records, a misdemeanor of the first degree and Adulter or Misbrand a Controlled Substance, a misdemeanor.
Bail was set at $75,000 unsecured by Magistrate Linus Myers. Central court is scheduled in this matter for March 8, 2017 at 9 a.m. at the Wayne County Courthouse.
Fentanyl is a schedule II controlled substance used in medical procedures for anesthesia and also used illegally since it is a highly addictive, potent pain medication.
Following the report of the theft, the DEA was notified and an investigation followed by the DEA and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office. In the complaint filed March 2nd, it is alleged that Feldner stole Fentanyl from the surgical office as an employee, altered and tampered with vials of Fentanyl and replaced them with another substance, altered documents and forged signatures at the surgical center, obtained Fentanyl through misrepresentation and deception by claiming to have authority from her employer to obtain it when she did not and was in possession of fentanyl.
There was a total of 98 vials of Fentanyl that they believed were tampered with by Fledner, according to the affidavit filed by Chief County Detective Peter C. Hower, for the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office.
According to the affidavit, on October 19, 2016, Fender was being terminated from employment at Mountain Laurel Surgery Center as a result of her alleged actions.
Janine Edwards stated, “Fentanyl is not just another opioid. It is highly addictive and potentially lethal. I am proud of the work done on this case by Wayne County DA Chief Detective Peter Hower and the DEA to ensure not only that criminal charges were filed but also having a concern for the potential safety of others. We are in dangerous times with the drug epidemic gripping our county. This particular crime not only fed the appetite of an addict but risked the lives of patients. It was selfish and reckless and must be prosecuted vigilantly.”