Connecticut Pharmacist Stole Painkillers, Feds Say, 2023

A federal grand jury in Connecticut has returned an indictment charging 34-year-old pharmacist, Ryan T. Murphy, of Wallingford, CT, with allegedly stealing prescription painkillers from his former employer for his personal use.

According to a statement from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Hartford, CT, and charges Murphy with violating the Controlled Substances Act by knowingly and intentionally possessing and distributing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose.

The indictment alleges that Murphy, a licensed pharmacist, stole and distributed oxycodone and other prescription painkillers from Walgreens, where he worked from 2018 to 2022.

Murphy allegedly used the stolen painkillers for his own personal use and also distributed them to others, further exacerbating the opioid crisis in Connecticut.

Assistant US Attorney Deirdre M. Daly stated, “This indictment demonstrates the commitment of the US Attorney’s Office to holding accountable those who abuse their positions to engage in illicit activities, particularly those that contribute to the opioid epidemic.”

Murphy faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million if convicted of the charges.