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Former Pharmacy Chief at VA Medical Center in Erie Pleads Guilty to Diverting Painkillers
In a stunning turn of events, Matthew Camera, 50, a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, according to Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman.
Camera, who was employed as the Pharmacy Chief at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie, illegally obtained multiple dosage units of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone from pill bottles awaiting delivery to Veterans Affairs patients from January 2017 to June 2020.
The court was advised that Camera’s actions were a brazen attempt to divert painkillers for his own personal use, putting the health and safety of vulnerable veterans at risk.
According to the court documents, Camera will face a total sentence of 4 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government, with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General conducting the investigation that led to the prosecution of Camera.
Pending sentencing, the court placed Camera on bond, allowing him to remain free until his scheduled sentencing on March 22, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.
This case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly those in positions of trust, such as Camera, who was responsible for ensuring the safe and secure distribution of medication to veterans.
The investigation and prosecution of Camera serves as a reminder that the justice system will not tolerate such egregious behavior and will aggressively pursue those who seek to exploit their positions for personal gain.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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