The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested a former medical assistant for prescription fraud for calling pharmacies with illegitimate doctors’ orders for Hydrocodone.

Investigators with the Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit learned that Elizabeth Pennell, DOB 8/25/69, 907 Albee Road West, Apartment 10, called in multiple prescriptions to various pharmacies in Nokomis and Osprey from July through September. Pennell is charged with 17 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud.

“This case is another example that shows the local trend in pharmaceutical diversion is moving from doctor shopping to actually calling in fraudulent prescriptions,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “Fortunately, more and more pharmacists are aware and alert to these issues and are reporting their suspicions about these crimes.”

Pennell is currently being held on $17,000 bond.