WPD: CVS Pharmacy Tech Charged for Stealing Diet Pills

WARWICK, RI — Warwick Police have charged a CVS pharmacy tech with stealing diet pills following an April 10 call to the 2400 Warwick Ave. store.

Officer Connor Craig was called to the store at 5:38 p.m. by the pharmacy’s asset protection staffer, who had detained one of the store’s pharmacy technicians in the office. According to the asset staffer, the pharmacy tech, Sarah Kolb, 35, of 201 Canfield Ave., Warwick, RI, had stolen 50 Phentermine pills from the store since March 10, and had admitted to the theft. The company intended to pursue charges, according to the asset staffer, Craig reported.

Phentermine, an appetite-suppressing drug, is used for weight reduction in patients with obesity, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s prescribed to patients with obesity who have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise.

Craig spoke with Kolb, asking her the reason she had been detained in the asset protection office, according to Craig’s report. She told him she had stolen Phentermine  pills periodically since March 10, slipping them into her pocket when no one was looking. The asset staffer also provided video footage of the thefts.

Craig arrested Kolb and transported her to Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, where she was charged with Larceny of a Controlled Substance, first offense. She was arraigned on the charge in Third District Court April 10 and released on $1,000 personal recognizance, and scheduled for a court screening for July 8.