Ex-pharmacist admits drug theft

A 36-year-old Columbia Falls woman admitted Thursday in Flathead District Court that she had stolen prescription drugs from the Walgreens store in Whitefish while employed as a pharmacist.

Linda Williams, who has since given up her pharmacist license, pleaded guilty to a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. She said she stole the drugs to address a pain problem.

A court document states managers at the store discovered in February 2012 that nearly $800 worth of hydrocodone, alprazolam and amphetamines were missing. 

The document goes on to note that Williams admitted being addicted to the drugs and agreed to reimburse the company for the medications.

Williams faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 when she is sentenced on March 7.