MARION, Ill. (WJPF) – A former healthcare worker has pleaded guilty to charges that she stole opioids from a hospital.
Linnea O’Neal, 46, of Norris City, worked as a nurse at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. O’Neal admitted to investigators that in November of 2021 she took several doses of fentanyl intended for patients.
O’Neal was arrested in 2022 and pleaded guilty in March of 2023 to unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Since it was her first offense, Linnea O’Neal will serve no prison time, but will have to complete two years of probation, including 30 hours of community service. She must also undergo drug treatment and testing and pay $3,500 in fines and fees. Additionally, Linnea O’Neal can no longer work in place where she would have access to controlled substances.
