Accused pill thief steals laxatives instead of opioids

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (WFLA) – Police say an accused pill thief got more than he bargained for when he broke into a pillbox at the Pinellas Park home where he was staying.  

Pinellas Park Police say 60-year-old Peter Hans Emery Jr. “was observed on video camera entering the victim’s lockbox, selecting a pill bottle, pouring pills into his hand and then leaving.”

What Emory didn’t realize is the bottle labeled “Hydrocodone Acetaminophen” actually contained laxatives.

According to the arrest report, Emery admitted that he took both pills thinking they were hydrocodone but threw them away once he realized they were something else.

Emery is now facing petit theft and violation of probation on prior theft and drug possession charges.