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Press Release

Indictment: Former Fort Riley Nurse Stole Fentanyl from Hospital

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Kansas

TOPEKA, KAN. - A former Fort Riley nurse was indicted Wednesday on charges of stealing fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Lana J. Pendergast, 56, Clay Center, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawfully obtaining a controlled substance. The indictment alleges that while she worked as a nurse at Irwin Army Hospital she began taking fentanyl for her own use, replacing the stolen fentanyl with saline to cover up the crime. The fentanyl vials containing saline were disposed of as waste.

 If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of four years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham is prosecuting.

 

OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS

Don Alvin Womack, Jr., 41, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of carjacking. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 14, 2016, Womack threatened the driver of a 2001 Buick Regal and stole the vehicle. The crime occurred in Shawnee County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.

 

Vincent Dang, 40, Garden City, Kan., is charged with two counts of distributing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in November 2015 and January 2016 in Garden City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Dodge City Police Department, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Wichita Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

Updated February 10, 2016

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Prescription Drugs
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