PHARMACY OWNER PLEADS GUILTY TO UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUGS
Diverted Prescription Drugs for Own Use and for Distribution to Others
CHRISTINA WAGEMAN, 33, of Burien, Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to unlawful possession of a controlled substance in violation of law.
During 2007, up until August 28, 2007, WAGEMAN owned and operated BC DRUGS, a pharmacy in Burien, Washington. At various times, WAGEMAN removed controlled substances from the pharmacy inventory and diverted those substances to her own use. Those substances included multi-pill quantities of oxycodone and hydrocodone, among other drugs. On August 28, 2007, prior to leaving the pharmacy, WAGEMAN grabbed handfuls of pills containing aprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), which she concealed in her purse. A search of her purse by law enforcement following her departure from the pharmacy uncovered approximately 450 pills. These substances were possessed by WAGEMAN unlawfully and without a valid prescription.
In October 2007, the Washington Board of Pharmacy suspended BC Drugs from further operation.
Unlawful possession of a controlled substance is a federal offense punishable by up to one year in prison, a mandatory fine of not less than$1,000 and up to $100,000, and a fine equating to the reasonable costs of investigation and prosecution of the offense.
Sentencing is set for March 3, 2008 before the Honorable United States Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler in Seattle, Washington.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald J. Friedman.
For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.
