HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against a northwestern Pennsylvania pharmacy technician for diverting nearly 90,000 prescription pills from her place of employment.
Alyssa R. McDowell, 34, is charged with several felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, theft by unlawful taking, and related misdemeanors.
McDowell surrendered Tuesday morning and was arraigned, when bail was set at $100,000 unsecured.
According to the Office of Attorney General’s investigation, McDowell diverted nearly 90,000 prescription pills — Oxycodone and Hydrocodone — from Sheffield Pharmacy in Warren County between 2022 and 2026.
“This defendant used her position to obtain a massive amount of highly-addictive medications,” Attorney General Sunday said. “This type of conduct fuels a prescription drug abuse crisis that, so often, leads to individuals using fentanyl and heroin.”
Between January 2022 and May 2026, investigators allege, McDowell diverted 80,926 Oxycodone pills and 8,744 Hydrocodone pills. McDowell ordered extra bottles, which she took for herself, then altered paperwork in attempts to conceal the thefts.
The case will be prosecuted by the Warren County District Attorney’s Office. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
###
