COUNTY PHARMACIST ARRESTED

Hydrocodone Tablets Missing From Duval Health Department

By PAUL PINKHAM The Times-Union A pharmacist at the Duval County Health
Department, where more than 8,000 hydrocodone tablets have disappeared
since July, has been arrested on narcotics charges after police said a
hidden video recorded him stealing the drug.

Russell S. Lawler, 53, remained in the Duval County jail Thursday with bail
set at $35,000. He is charged with four counts of drug trafficking and one
each of possession, grand theft and falsifying pharmacy records. Police
arrested Lawler on New Year's Eve as he left the Health Department pharmacy
on West Sixth Street. They reported finding three hydrocodone tablets and
24 codeine tablets hidden under a floor mat in the back of his car.

Lawler told officers he is addicted to hydrocodone, an anti-cough and pain
medication that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says is frequently
abused. Police offered no indication he was selling the drug but said the
amount missing from the pharmacy falls under Florida's trafficking statute.

Duval County Health Department Director Jeffrey Goldhagen said the
investigation has been turned over to police officials. He also said
Lawler's position with the department has been terminated.

Pharmacy Director Cynthia Griffin told police she ordered a surprise audit
after a pharmacy technician made a suspicious comment while ordering
hydrocodone. The audit revealed hydrocodone supplies were well under
inventory and "tablets were missing on a nearly daily basis," police said.

In fact, health department records show 8,247 hydrocodone tablets
unaccounted for since July 1, police said. During that time, Lawler was
responsible for ordering, receiving and dispensing the drug, according to
the Health Department.

In December, Lawler approved the order of 800 hydrocodone tablets, though
none were dispensed, police said. As of Dec. 29, just 172 remained. Police
estimated the street value of the stolen drugs at $40,000.

Griffin met with police Dec. 18 and secret video surveillance was set up
the week of Christmas.

"Russell Lawler, the pharmacist, is observed entering the safe which housed
the hydrocodone," the police report says. "Lawler on numerous occasions
clearly retrieves the hydrocodone bottle and removes the tablets over the
course of those days."

During the four days that were recorded, Griffin reported 94 hydrocodone
tablets missing. None were dispensed legally.

The Florida Health Department shows Lawler with a valid pharmacist license
and no disciplinary action. He told police he has worked at the Duval
County Health Department for more than 30 years.

The DEA includes hydrocodone on its list of "drugs and chemicals of
concern" and says abuse of the narcotic has escalated the past decade.