Former Iowa Nurse Sarah Ann Haptonstall Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison for Pain Medication Thefts, Illegal Firearms Possession, and Bank Fraud
Haptonstall, age 47 from Onawa, Iowa, was handed down a sentence exceeding three years after pleading guilty to acquiring controlled substances by fraud, possession of a firearm as a felon, and bank fraud. The sentence was imposed on July 16, 2025.
According to court documents, Haptonstall burglarized an Onawa couple’s home multiple times since March 2023 to steal their prescription pain medication. She knew the residents’ needs as she had previously delivered the medication while working as a nurse in 2021. Upon her final arrest on March 10, 2023, law enforcement found a 9mm Luger pistol in her truck, a violation of her felon status.
Haptonstall’s criminal activities extended beyond Onawa. As a licensed Iowa nurse between April and October 2022, she stole hydrocodone pills from four nursing home residents, including one over 90 years old. She replaced the narcotic painkillers with Tylenol, leading to the death of one resident due to untreated pain.
Moreover, Haptonstall committed bank fraud against a small family-owned business in Onawa while serving as its bookkeeper. She embezzled over $8,000 by creating fraudulent checks and manipulating the company’s electronic bookkeeping system.
Haptonstall has an extensive criminal history including theft convictions and felony drug diversion cases. Her most recent conviction came in February 2023 when she received a suspended ten-year sentence for swapping out hydrocodone for Tylenol while working as a delivery driver.
RELATED: Carroll Co. Nurse Sentenced for Stealing Pain Meds, Burglarizing Homes
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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