WARREN — A former Liberty Township registered nurse was indicted on multiple felonies related to the theft of the Oxycodone drug Percocet from three patients at St. Joseph Warren Hospital.

Amy B. Pesa, 43, of Crews Hood Road, was arraigned this week on three counts of aggravated possession of drugs, three counts of illegal processing of drug documents and three counts of theft of drugs.

Pesa, through her attorney Candace Garrett, pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains free after posting a $2,500 bond. Garrett told Judge Peter J. Kontos that her client would like to undergo a rehab program in lieu of any convictions. Kontos ordered the adult probation department to investigate to see if Pesa is eligible for that program.

The next pre-trial hearing is set for Sept. 28 in Kontos’ court.

According to Trumbull County assistant Prosecutor Christopher Becker, Pesa was working at St. Joseph hospital last December when medical personnel had suspicions and reported them to the Ohio Board of Nursing in Columbus. The subsequent investigation led to a discovery that Pesa allegedly diverted the opiate from at least three patients, Becker said.

A check of the nursing board’s website shows that Pesa’s nursing license has been suspended, and she cannot practice in the state.

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