INDIANOLA, Iowa — An Indianola pharmacist has been arrested for allegedly stealing pills and tampering with documents to cover up the theft.

The Indianola Police Department said Jeffrey Bates, 42, was arrested Friday morning following an investigation into fraudulent prescription practices at the Hy-Vee pharmacy in Indianola. Bates is charged with:

• Prohibited Acts – 8 Counts (Class C Felony)
• Theft-1st Degree – 1 Count (Class C Felony)
• Identity Theft – 1 Count (Class D Felony)
• Tampering with Records – 1 Count (Aggravated Misdemeanor)

Police said their investigation began on April 18, after being contacted by Hy-Vee management at the Indianola store about discrepancies in medication inventory that had been identified. While Bates was employed at the pharmacy, investigators said he unlawfully diverted controlled substances and created fraudulent prescription records. He’s also accused of stealing prescription pills and tampering with documents.

More than 3,000 pills, with a value totaling over $14,000, were taken by Bates, according to police.

The crime was determined to be isolated in nature and involved only Bates.

IPD was assisted in the investigation by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Warren County Attorney’s Office.