Anchorage woman arrested for amassing Oxycodone

Stacey Ann Thompson, 42, is accused of possessing with the intent to sell the pills with a street value of $187,000, prosecutors allege. The medications cost $16,000 at the pharmacies, though in many of the transactions a government-funded health program footed the bill, according to an affidavit filed in court by Assistant District Attorney Katholyn Runnels.

Pharmacies Thompson liked to use included Carrs, Fred Meyer and Bernie's Pharmacy, according to charging documents. In some instances, Thompson filled multiple prescriptions, typically for 120 pills each, at the same pharmacy on the same day, Runnels wrote.

Where Thompson got the prescriptions and how she got away with what authorities say was repeated refills was not immediately clear. Alaska State Troopers refused to comment, citing a pending investigation.

According to Runnels' affidavit, troopers learned of Thompson's actions in late April, when a pharmacist at the Wasilla Walgreens called to report she refused a 120-pill Oxycodone prescription because Thompson tried to get it refilled too soon after her last visit.

The pharmacist contacted several other pharmacies and learned Thompson had been getting pills in Wasilla and Anchorage and had amassed much more of the pain killer than she "would use for even the worst pain," Runnels wrote.

Troopers learned she had gotten at least 28 bottles filled in a 127-day period, starting at the beginning of the year. On May 11, troopers learned that Thompson had again dropped off a prescription for 120 pills of 80 mg Oxycodone at the Wasilla Walgreens and sent some undercover officers to set up surveillance.

Thompson and a female passenger picked up the pills and drove into Anchorage, where troopers approached them. The passenger told troopers she had paid $50 for two of the pills Thompson had picked up and that she shot one of them intravenously into her leg, Runnels wrote. Thompson denied selling the pills and said she took six to eight a day.

Thompson was arrested and charged with 28 counts of second-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance and four counts of fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance.

Thompson's attorney, Chester Gilmore, declined to comment Tuesday.

Find James Halpin at adn.com/contact/jhalpin or call him at 257-4589.