LOCAL PHARMACIST FACES PRISON FOR PILL DIVERSION
A Fairfield pharmacist is set to face the consequences of his illicit actions after pleading guilty to stealing thousands of prescription pills from his own pharmacy. Bryan Paul Vander Linden, 42, admitted to obtaining the pills for his personal use, using his position to order and not report the pills in the pharmacy’s inventory, taking from the pharmacy stock, or taking pills from the controlled substance collection bin.
According to public court documents, Vander Linden obtained more than 3,500 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, Schedule II controlled substances, and more than 400 carisoprodol pills, a Schedule IV muscle relaxant, from Summit Pharmacy of Iowa, the pharmacy he owned and operated, between June 2022 and at least November 2023.
Vander Linden’s actions have led to a federal indictment, with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigating the case. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
As part of his plea agreement, Vander Linden is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2025. He faces a potential sentence of up to four years in prison, to be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by individuals in positions of trust, who abuse that trust for personal gain. It also highlights the importance of the DEA’s efforts to combat prescription drug diversion and ensure the safety and security of our communities.
Vander Linden’s actions have severe consequences, not only for himself but also for the community he served. His plea agreement and upcoming sentencing hearing mark a significant step towards accountability and justice.
DEFINANT NAME: Bryan Paul Vander Linden
Criminal charges: Stealing prescription pills from a pharmacy for personal use
City and state: Fairfield, Iowa
EXACT DATE: March 27, 2025 (plea agreement)
Sentence or outcome: Up to four years in prison (pending sentencing on July 28, 2025)
Company involved: Summit Pharmacy of Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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