Pharmacy Technician In Carlsbad Accused Of Stealing Opioids

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal authorities say a pharmacy technician in Carlsbad has been arrested and accused of stealing prescription painkillers. They say 30-year-old Amber Otero was taken into custody Friday morning on a criminal complaint charging her with theft of medical products. Federal drug agents began an investigation after the Carlsbad pharmacy reported that more than 20,000 oxycodone tablets of various strengths had been stolen. Prosecutors say Otero was identified as the suspected thief. Her initial appearance in federal court is scheduled for Tuesday in Roswell. It's unclear if Otero has a lawyer yet. If convicted on the charge of theft of medical products, prosecutors say Otero faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.