Indianapolis women federally charged after morphine, PPE, medical supplies stolen from hospital
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two Indianapolis women are facing federal charges after they allegedly stole morphine, personal protective equipment and other medical supplies from a hospital.
According to the United States Department of Justice, if convicted, the women could face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $1 million.
April Hayworth, 31, and Christina Smith, 37, both of Indianapolis, are accused of stealing the following supplies from an area hospital on April 14:
- 30 carpujects of morphine
- 7 boxes of isolation masks
- 50 tubs of sanitizing wipes
- 10 containers of soap
- 20 bottles of hand sanitizer
- 8 bottles of air deodorizer
- 6 tubs of bleach wipes
The two women allegedly broke into a restricted storage area at Central Indiana Care Center and stole the items. Investigators say the women were wearing coverings over their heads during the break-in.
Hayworth, who worked as a member of the hospital’s cleaning crew, was first identified as a suspect. Smith was later ID’d as a second suspect.
During the investigation, investigators learned Smith planned to sell the stolen morphine. Officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department conducted a traffic stop after Smith was seen getting into a vehicle. She was arrested on an outstanding warrant and officers found 29 carpujects of morphine in the car.
“It is absolutely shameful with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that Ms. Hayworth and Ms. Smith would burglarize the Central Indiana Cancer Centers, and steal a significant amount of morphine and personal protective equipment,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon in a release to News 8.
IMPD Police Chief Randal Taylor said, “When someone seeks to profit from harming our health care partners, law enforcement will hold them accountable to the fullest extent possible.”
United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler said Hayworth and Smith were charged Thursday on federal drug, conspiracy and burglary charges.
