Second Dexter nurse opts for trial on two felony charges

Natalie J. Ritter, 27, of Dexter entered a plea of not guilty to the Class C felonies of stealing a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana in an appearance before Presiding Circuit Judge Stephen Sharp Wednesday.

A trial date of Jan. 18, 2008, has been set.

A complaint filed by Dexter Police Department Detective Lt. Trevor Pulley resulted in the issuance of an arrest warrant for Ritter in July.

In the complaint, Pulley stated that on March 6 he was contacted regarding Ritter allegedly stealing medication from clients of Caring Hearts Home Care in Dexter.

"[The business] was contacted by [the victim] regarding problems with her medication of hydrocodone," Pulley said. "[The victim] told [the business] that her medication did not seem it was working and it did not look like the previous medication she had received."

Pulley said that when the victim contacted a local pharmacy and asked about the medication in her bottle, she was allegedly informed that the description she gave of the medication in her hydrocodone bottle matched the description of over-the-counter Tylenol.

The following day, according to the complaint, Pulley contacted the pharmacy where the prescription was filled and it was confirmed that the pharmacy had told the victim that the medication in her bottle matched the description of Tylenol.

Pulley then confirmed that the prescription bottle had originally been filled with hydrocodone and that Ritter had signed for the medication when it was picked up.

"I spoke with [the victim] regarding the switched medications," Pulley said. "She advised that she has kidney problems and is not supposed to take Tylenol.

"[The victim] advised she took 20 of the pills and they were not working, but were making her sick," Pulley continued. "That's when [the victim] noticed the medication didn't look like the previous medication and called the pharmacy."

Pulley confirmed with the victim that Ritter had picked up the prescriptions and delivered them to the victim's home. The victim denied anyone else having had access to the medication, which is kept on her living room table.

"[The victim] advised that when Natalie brought her the medication, she counted the pills and there were 89 pills, not 90 pills as prescribed," Pulley said.

Pulley was also able to learn through a subpoena sent to West Wood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo., that Ritter was previously employed with that company and was allegedly fired due to violation of policy, house rules and misconduct.

"[The director] advised an employee [had told her] that Natalie told him she had taken a Phenergan out of the pharmacy return box because she felt nauseated," Pulley stated. "[The director] also advised Natalie was seen leaving the medication room from the opposite wing she was working prior to her termination."

Sacha Champion may be reached via email at schampion@dailystatesman.com