Bangor man steals pen, alters prescription to get more painkillers, police say

BANGOR, Maine — A man with a legal prescription for Percocet painkillers took several steps to get more of the drug but was thwarted by an alert pharmacist and store security, Sgt. Paul Edwards said Tuesday.

Jason DeWitt, 33, of Bangor walked into the Hannaford grocery store on Union Street, went to the stationery aisle and grabbed a package of pens, stealing just one, the sergeant said.

He then allegedly took the stolen pen into the bathroom and then exited the restroom a short time later with his prescription in hand and went directly to the pharmacy.

“He had a legitimate prescription for Percocet that he altered in an attempt to get more,” Edwards said.

The pharmacist saw everything and alerted store security, who alerted police, Edwards said.

Three Bangor police officers arrived, and after reviewing the store’s video surveillance tapes arrested DeWitt for felony acquiring drugs by deception, forgery and theft by unauthorized taking. He was taken to the Penobscot County Jail and later released, Edwards said.

DeWitt has local convictions that date back to 2002, according to court listings printed in the Bangor Daily News. His convictions include possession of marijuana, operating while under influence of intoxicants, theft, violating a protective order, fishing in a restricted area and two counts of operating a vehicle while his license suspended or revoked.

If convicted of the felony charge of acquiring drugs by deception, DeWitt could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Reprinted with permission from the Bangor Daily News.