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A former Stratham pharmacist has been sentenced for diverting hundreds of prescription pills for his own use, U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced. Frank E. Styles Jr., 62, of Exeter, altered prescription records to obtain approximately 564 pills containing controlled substances, according to the office. Styles has been sentenced to probation and prohibited from ever seeking to have his pharmacist license reinstated. He is also ordered to pay restitution to Medicare and Rite Aid pharmacy.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Styles diverted the pills between January and November 2016, while working at a Stratham pharmacy. He altered records associated with about 77 prescriptions, diverting about 564 pills for his own use, the office stated Friday. He was convicted in May.
“Health care professionals who divert drugs jeopardize patient safety,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Murray. “We will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against those who abuse their positions in the health care profession in order to obtain drugs.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated Styles’ case.
“The reckless action by this former pharmacist was not only a crime but a betrayal of the public trust,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Styles accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those individuals who are fueling the opioid crisis. DEA’s obligation is to improve public safety and public health, and we are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that rules and regulations are followed.”