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Dentist's employee accused of ordering phony prescriptions
Authorities say she and a co-worker phoned in at least eight Vicodin prescriptions to two stores.
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 25, 2002


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ZEPHYRHILLS -- A Zephyrhills dentist office employee was arrested Tuesday after investigators said she and a co-worker repeatedly called in Vicodin prescriptions to pharmacies on both sides of the county.

Reports stated that Maria Frances Laffey, 40, of 9613 Scot St. in Hudson, and the female co-worker used their "positions of trust" under Dr. James Costello to phone in at least eight phony prescriptions of the drug.

Vicodin, also known as hydrocodone, combines a narcotic painkiller and cough reliever with a nonnarcotic painkiller for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

If taken consistently, the drug can be habit forming.

Investigators said the two employees called the prescriptions into Walgreens at 6429 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills and the Eckerd drugstore at 12015 Little Road in Hudson. They usually ordered 20 pills.

According to reports, Laffey often talked her co-worker into placing the order in Laffey's name, saying that she needed it for her husband's back pain or for her migraine headaches. Laffey would then pick up the order and pay for it.

Investigators declined to name the co-worker on Wednesday, saying the investigation is ongoing. Reports stated that the co-worker offered to turn herself in later.

Both women told authorities that Costello had no knowledge that they were placing the prescriptions.

Laffey faces eight charges of trafficking in a controlled substance -- four from the Zephyrhills Police Department and four from Pasco County sheriff's deputies.

She was taken to the Land O'Lakes Jail. Jail officials on Wednesday evening had only five charges on record so far against Laffey. They said she remained in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

-- Brady Dennis covers the city of Zephyrhills and crime in east Pasco. To reach him, call (352) 521-5757, ext. 23, or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6108, then 23. His e-mail address is

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