Aide Stole Pain Medication From Patient, Police Say

A health aide from Bethlehem Township stole two full bottles of narcotics and seven trans-dermal painkilling patches from a patient who lives in city public housing, according to court records.

Nicole J. Aubertin, 34, of 4333 Embur Terrace, admitted to police that she stole the drugs, which were valued at nearly $700, according to the arrest affidavit.

The theft was reported to Bethlehem Police on Friday by the victim who lives at Bartholomew House, a senior high rise at 512 Elm St.

Stolen were two full 60-pill bottles of hydromorphone, a strong narcotic, and seven fentanyl trans-dermal patches, police said. Fentanyl is also a narcotic about 100 times more powerful than morphine.

The victim told police that she suspected Aubertin because she was the only other person who had access to the drugs, the affidavit said.

Confronted by police during a telephone interview, Aubertin admitted to stealing the drugs and later also provided a written statement, according to court records.

Aubertin was charged Monday night with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. She was arraigned before on-duty District Judge Joseph Barner of Lower Nazareth Township and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.