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An employee at the CVS pharmacy in Middletown was suspended by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy after she was convicted for stealing stimulants, according to the board’s meeting minutes.

In April 2018, CVS began noticing shortages in its supply of stimulants, including three strengths of dexmethylphenidate, focalin and dextroamphetamine, the document said. All three of these drugs are used to treat ADHD.

The board’s minutes added that on April 15, 2018, the pharmacy counted the number of these capsules before and after Donna Thomas, 43, began her shift.

After Thomas’ shift, 42 capsules of dexmethylphenidate were missing, according to the board. Security video showed Thomas entering the safe where the stimulants were kept and “cupping medication in her hand” at a time when she was not filling prescriptions, according to the board.

In an interview with an agent of the board, Thomas admitted to stealing from the pharmacy over a few weeks “to meet the rigid demands of work.” She said she would get “foggy” and “needed the additional medication to continue work.”

Thomas had a prescription for dextroamphetamine for five capsules a day, but she said that wasn’t enough, according to the board.

The board declined to comment.

Thomas pleaded guilty to theft of drugs. She was given probation and will be required to attend treatment and to be monitored for drug and alcohol use.

On April 8, 2019, Thomas’ drug screening tested positive for cocaine metabolite, according to the board.

Thomas could not be reached for comment.

At the board’s meeting on June 3, 2019, Thomas’ pharmaceutical license was suspended indefinitely. She may not work in any facility licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy while her license is suspended.

In two years, Thomas may file a petition for a hearing to determine her reinstatement. If she is reinstated, she will be subject to random, observed drug screens and must attend Narcotics Anonymous or a similar support group.

In the 2018 fiscal year, the board investigated 288 people for theft of drugs, including pharmacy/healthcare professionals and the public. Nineteen people had licenses suspended.

Henry Appel, assistant attorney general and council for the State of Ohio in Thomas’ case, declined to comment.

Thomas’ attorney, Forest Heis, did not respond to requests for comment.