Cartersville Couple Jailed in Prescription Forgery Scheme

A Cartersville couple accused of forging prescriptions then distributing the pills face dozens of charges in an alleged scheme police have investigated for months.

Stephen Curtis Chapman, 41, and Sarah Barber Chapman, 37, both of Waterford Drive in Cartersville, were employed by Floyd Healthcare Management system at Floyd Urgent Care on Joe Frank Harris Parkway, Cartersville Police Department Chief Thomas Culpepper said in a release. The investigation, initiated by a Floyd security officer who got a tip and conducted by the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force, started in July.

Sarah allegedly forged illegal prescriptions Stephen then filled at various pharmacies in the area—on at least 20 occasions and dating back to December 2011, according to the incident report. She allegedly duplicated patients' names, but changed their dates of birth on the prescriptions. 

Agents say Stephen was fired after allegedly stealing prescription pads and Sarah was placed on administrative leave while an investigation was conducted.

Stephen faces 25 charges and Sarah, 14 counts. They include fraudulently obtaining controlled substances, identity fraud and being a party to the crime of distributing Schedule II, III and IV drugs. Hydrocodone and Lortabs, Soma and Adipex are among the drugs allegedly obtained.

The couple is jailed awaiting a bond hearing and police say the investigation is ongoing.

Tell us what you think in the comments below and don’t miss any of the local news you care about—subscribe to Cartersville Patch's newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.