CRIME

3 Memphis-area pharmacy techs lost licenses after diverting drugs

Phillip Jackson
Memphis Commercial Appeal

A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the occupation for several pharmacy employees and medical professionals.

Several pharmacy technicians in Memphis faced disciplinary actions in January for violating Tennessee Department of Health rules.

Two techs, Danyelle Luster and Vanessa Thigpen, had their licenses revoked for diverting tablets. Thigpen diverted approximately 360 tablets of oxycodone in March 2017 while working at the Enclara pharmacy, according to documents from the Tennessee Department of Health.

According to the documents, Thigpen was seen on surveillance video appearing to count tablets. In actuality, the documents say, Thigpen surreptitiously took the tablets. 

Luster diverted controlled substances of hydrocodone from September 2016 through December 2016 while working at a Walgreens in Memphis. 

Several pharmacy technicians in Memphis faced disciplinary actions in January for violating Tennessee Department of Health rules.

Kimberly Freeman surrendered her license for diverting at least 300 tablets of acetaminophen and at least 50 tablets of diazepam from January 2017 to March 2017 while working as a pharmacy tech at a Collierville CVS, according to Department of Health documents. p

The actions were revealed through a monthly discipline report released Friday by the Tennessee Department of Health, which maintains public records on licenses for doctors, nurses, chiropractors, massage therapists and other health care professionals throughout the state.