Massachusetts Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Diverting Controlled Substances
CONCORD, N.H. – Massachusetts pharmacist Rima Gerges-Maalouf, 60, pleaded guilty in Federal Court to diverting controlled prescription drugs while working as a pharmacist in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
As set forth in the plea agreement, in August 2024, Gerges-Maalouf served as a per diem pharmacist at a pharmacy in northern New Hampshire. While on duty, Gerges-Maalouf removed capsuled medication powder and prescription pills that were meant for patients and kept them for her own use. Gerges-Maalouf ingested some of the controlled substances while at work at the pharmacy. Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for November 23, 2026.
“The facts in this case are that the defendant – a licensed pharmacist – emptied medication from pills prescribed for others and took them herself, giving some pills to patients where the medication had already been drained out. This is very dangerous for patients whose health and safety depend on these treatments,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We will continue to pursue enforcement against misuse of controlled substances to protect healthcare customers, patients, and the public safety of all citizens here in New Hampshire.”
“Diversion of controlled substances, particularly by a licensed pharmacist, is a serious crime that erodes public trust and places lives at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners will use every available resource to identify those responsible for diverting controlled substances and bring them to justice. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of our nation’s healthcare system, safeguarding the controlled pharmaceutical supply chain, and ensuring that those who abuse positions of trust are held fully accountable.”
The charge of diverting controlled substances carries a maximum prison term of 4 years, a maximum fine of $250,000 and term of supervised release not to exceed 1 year. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Federal Drug Administration Office of Inspections and Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.
