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CLARKSBURG — A Mannington man who admitted stealing oxycodone from the supplies of the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg was sentenced to 2 years’ probation Wednesday.
Harrison Chief Judge Thomas A. Bedell told Zane R. George, 27, that he avoided a lengthy prison term only because the evidence showed the defendant’s actions didn’t result in patients missing out on pain medication treatment.
George’s attorney, Assistant Defender Beth Gross, also successfully argued that her client began fighting his addiction even prior to her first visit with him following his arrest.
George also apologized, saying, “I just want to say this is the biggest mistake of my life, and I’m ready to put it behind me. I’m tired of looking backward.”
As part of the plea agreement, Assistant Prosecutor Gina Renzelli made no sentencing recommendation.
The judge imposed a total sentence of 3-12 years and fines totaling $90,000 before suspending both in favor of probation. Those now serve as a powerful incentive for George to avoid violating his alternative release.
George had pleaded guilty in September to three counts of felony obtaining possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation or fraud.
George was working as a nurse for an outside hiring agency when he began removing 5 mg oxycodone pills multiple times a day starting Nov. 28, 2014, and lasting through mid-June 2015, Clarksburg Pfc. Bill Swiger has alleged.
In addition to now having a felony record, George also has lost his job.