Healthcare Facility Drug Diversion
A former Howland nurse was arraigned Thursday on felony charges connected with a theft of drugs.
Whitney Stazen, 44, of Briarbrook Drive, Howland, pleaded not guilty to charges of theft of drugs, tampering with records and tampering with evidence. Stazen was picked up Wednesday morning on a secret Trumbull County indictment and released shortly after her arraignment Thursday after posting $5,000 bond.
Her case was assigned to Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Peter J. Kontos, who will hold a pretrial hearing Jan. 24.
A Trumbull County grand jury handed up a secret indictment charging her with theft of drugs, tampering with records, and tampering with evidence.
According to the indictment, the alleged offenses were investigated by the sheriff’s office in early 2020. Assistant Prosecutor Charles Morrow said he cannot comment on case details but stated no patients were harmed.
According to state nursing records, Stazen’s license as a practical nurse had expired in October 2020.
Tags: Arrests Drug Theft Healthcare Diversion New Drug Trends Opioid Crisis Provider Arrest