July 28, 2011

FORMER VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSPITAL NURSE INDICTED FOR STEALING OXYCODONE TABLETS FROM PATIENTS

DENVER – Sharon Jones, age 35, of Aurora, Colorado, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver late Tuesday on charges of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud.  Jones was a formally licensed practical nurse at the VA hospital.  Jones surrendered this morning to U.S. Marshals.  She will make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver at 2:00 p.m. afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Craig Shaffer, where she will be advised of the charges pending against her, and the penalties associated with those charges.

According to the indictment, from August 16, 2010 through September 14, 2010, Jones did knowingly and intentionally steal and attempt to steal a controlled substance, to wit: Oxycodone tablets, by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge.

“Taking pain medicine from those in need is not only criminal, it is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh.

If convicted, Jones faces not more than 4 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each of the 35 counts of attempt to obtain a controlled substance by fraud.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division. 

Jones is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan T. Bergsieker.

These charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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