Prescription Fraud, Trafficking Arrest

NEWS RELEASE 21-065 - DECEMBER 7, 2021
DENTON, KRISTEN

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a North Port woman for fraudulently obtaining trafficking amounts of oxycodone.

Detectives launched their investigation in September when they were alerted to possible fraudulent prescriptions filled at four separate pharmacies throughout Sarasota County. Through investigation, they learned Kristen Denton, DOB 08/21/79, dropped off at least 80 forged prescriptions between October 2020 and August 2021 using information from three different physicians and 10 patients. Over the course of several months, Denton obtained more than 9,600 pills containing oxycodone, an opioid pain reliever. Detectives believe she gained access to doctor and patient medical information during her previous employment at a diagnostic laboratory.

Denton, of 2164 Florida Terrace, was arrested Friday and currently faces six counts of Trafficking in Oxycodone, six counts of Obtaining Oxycodone by Fraud, and 11 counts of Criminal Use of Personal Information. She remains in custody today on $325,500 bond while the investigation continues. Additional charges are pending.