PA Vet Aide Got Painkilling Prescription Filled For Her Dead Dog: A.G.

SPRINGDALE, PA — An Allegheny County veterinary hospital employee faces charges for allegedly stealing various drugs, cash and gift cards from the hospital and co-workers. She also allegedly got a potent painkilling prescription filled for her dog after the canine died.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry's office announced that Heidi Schumacher, 42, has been charged with seven felony counts of prohibited acts related to illegally acquiring and delivering controlled substances; one felony count of forgery; one misdemeanor count of identity theft; and two misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking.

Schumacher worked at River Valley Veterinary Hospital in Springdale.

According to Henry's office, Schumacher was seen on video taking medications, often after hours when employees should not have been at the facility. Schumacher also admitted to taking about $1,100 in petty cash, as well as gift cards from the facility and other employees.

Additionally, Schumacher’s position as an employee allowed her to present prescriptions for her dogs to be signed by a veterinarian. At least once, Schumacher presented a prescription for the painkiller hydrocodone after her dog had died.

“This employee was trusted with access to controlled substances and a petty cash account, and she broke that trust time and time again by stealing for a substantial period of time,” Henry said in a release. “The defendant chose to use her position to steal drugs for her own personal needs, so she will now face the consequences of her actions.”