© 2024 WSHU
NPR News & Classical Music
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We received reports that some iPhone users with the latest version of iOS (v17.4) cannot play audio via the Grove Persistent Player.
While we work to fix the issue, we recommend downloading the WSHU app.

Long Island Nurse Charged With Stealing $75K Worth Of Fentanyl

Tom Gannam
/
AP

Nassau County prosecutors said a former North Shore University Hospital nurse allegedly stole more than 1,400 vials of fentanyl from the Manhasset facility last year.

Melissa Frame, of Merrick, was charged with grand larceny, falsifying records and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Authorities said the stolen drugs have a street value of up to $75,000.

They said Frame used her work ID number to access a medication dispensing machine more than 50 times between last October and December.

Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid that has contributed to drug overdose deaths outside of medical treatment. She also had the machine dispense over 220 vials of midazolam, a powerful sedative.

Frame’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. Frame faces up to nine years in prison if convicted.

A native Long Islander, J.D. is WSHU's managing editor. He also hosts the climate podcast Higher Ground. J.D. reports for public radio stations across the Northeast, is a journalism educator and proud SPJ member.