Two people were arrested Tuesday after authorities say they forged a DeKalb County doctor’s signature to obtain oxycodone prescriptions, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Robert and Christine Smith remained in the Fulton County jail Wednesday on charges of first-degree forgery, identity theft fraud and obtaining dangerous drugs by fraud, forgery or concealment of fact, according to jail records.
South Fulton police said Robert Smith had been stealing the drugs for at least two years from a Publix store on Ga. 92 using the identity of Dr. Andre Scott. Christine Smith is believed to be her husband’s accomplice, according to officials.
Credit: The Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Credit: The Fulton County Sheriff's Office
“Knowing that we have someone who’s been committing crimes, specifically with the opioid crisis, is a good thing," South Fulton police Lt. Charles Cook told Channel 2.
Authorities captured the Smiths after a Publix pharmacy technician called Scott on April 4 and asked if he wrote a 90-day prescription for the couple, Channel 2 reported. Scott said he hadn’t and called police.
"Publix pharmacy is committed to ensuring patient safety while exercising due diligence prior to dispensing all medications,” the grocery chain said in a statement to Channel 2. “We are cooperating with local law (enforcement) on this matter.”
According to Channel 2, Robert Smith began seeing Scott for outpatient surgery in 2015. Scott gave him two prescriptions for painkillers, but said he did not see Smith after the surgery and has never met Christine Smith.
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