NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT
SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Prescription Fraud Arrest
DATE AND TIME: Approximately 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 10, 2019
LOCATION: 503 East Main Street, Village of Edmore
AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Mike Williams
The Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a person attempting to pass possible fraudulent prescription forms at two pharmacies in the Village of Edmore at approximately 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. The investigation led to the arrest of a 29-year-old woman from Chicago.
The staff at Hansen’s Pharmacy in Edmore became concerned when a woman, who they did not recognize, came in and attempted to have two prescriptions filled. The woman said she was not from Michigan and wanted to pay with cash which raised suspicions further. The woman left while staff was running the woman’s name, which was later determined to be a bogus name, through State databases. Having concerns that an attempt at a fraudulent transaction just took place, the staff at Hansen’s Pharmacy called the staff at Countryside Pharmacy in Edmore to alert them to what just occurred and it was learned the same woman was at Countryside attempting to fill more suspected fraudulent prescriptions. The staff at Hansen’s then called 911.
Upon arrival at the scene, the deputy was able to locate and detain the woman. Through the investigation, it was learned the prescriptions were fraudulent and that she was in the area for the sole purpose of attempting to obtain medications without the proper prescriptions. The woman, Simone P. Conner, has been charged with four counts of possession with the intent to deliver a counterfeit prescription form and four counts of attempting to obtain controlled substances by false prescription. The first four charges are felony charges and the last four charges are misdemeanors. Conner remains in jail on a $45,000.00 bond.
Sheriff Mike Williams credits the staff at the two pharmacies. Their knowledge of their profession, their awareness of potential criminal activity, and their willingness to work together directly affected the outcome of this investigation.
The Central Michigan Enforcement Team assisted the Sheriff’s Office and the investigation is ongoing.
