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Release [print-friendly version] Local Pharmacist Arrested MAR 06 -- (SACRAMENTO, CA) – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gordon Taylor announced the arrest of Folsom, CA resident Marvin G. GIBSON, 61, for theft of prescription medication while he was employed as a pharmacist at a County of Sacramento operated pharmacy. GIBSON surrendered to authorities without incident at the DEA office in Sacramento earlier today. DEA ASAC Gordon Taylor stated, “We are seeing an increasing trend of prescription drug abuse take hold across the country. This case is a perfect example of how addiction to pain medications can affect people in all walks of life, even those working in the medical industry.” The DEA initiated this investigation in June 2008, while investigators conducted an audit at the County of Sacramento Primary Care Center Pharmacy (Sacramento County PCCP) located at 4600 Broadway, Suite 1500, Sacramento, CA. Between August 2007 and January 2008, GIBSON allegedly stole Hydrocodone on three separate occasions from the Sacramento County PCCP, while employed as a registered pharmacist at the facility. According to court documents, GIBSON admitted to stealing a total of approximately 60 Hydrocodone pills for his own personal use while working at the pharmacy. Hydrocodone is a Schedule III controlled substance that is commonly prescribed for moderate pain. Hydrocodone is one of the most frequently prescribed opiates, and the number one abused pharmaceutical drug in the U.S. If not taken pursuant to a valid prescription and under proper medical supervision, Hydrocodone can be a highly addictive pharmaceutical drug. Hydrocodone is marketed, in its varying forms, under a number of trademarks, including Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab and Norco. The three count arrest warrant charged GIBSON with the following violations: one felony count for unlawfully obtaining Hydrocodone by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation and subterfuge (Health and Safety Code 11173(a)); one felony count of unlawful possession of Hydrocodone (Health and Safety Code 11350(a)); and one misdemeanor count of knowingly and unlawfully possessing Hydrocodone without a prescription (Business and Professions Code, Section 4060). This investigation was conducted by the DEA Sacramento Office with assistance from the Folsom Police Department and the California Board of Pharmacy. This case is being prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. GIBSON’S bail has been set at $15,000. An arrest warrant affidavit contains only allegations against an individual and all defendants must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###
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