Woodstock Walgreens pharmacy tech accused of stealing 1,800 hydrocodone pills

WOODSTOCK — A Woodstock man is facing six felony charges after police said he stole more than 1,800 hydrocodone pills from the Walgreens pharmacy where he worked.

Sean M. Damiano, 24, of the 800 block of Queen Anne Street, was charged Jan. 7 with three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and three charges of retail theft over $300, all felonies.

Police said the pills were taken from the Walgreens at 305 S. Eastwood Drive, where Damiano worked as a pharmacy technician.

Woodstock Deputy Police Chief John Lieb said police began investigating Damiano on Dec. 1 when Walgreens management contacted them about their suspicion that an employee had been stealing drugs.

Through video evidence, audits and other items provided by the store, police filed charges and put out a warrant for Damiano's arrest Jan. 7. He turned himself in Jan. 11.

Police believe the thefts had been happening over several months, Lieb said. Court documents put the retail value of the pills at more than $1,700.

Lieb said Walgreens managers told police that Damiano changed his story several times when confronted about the pills. Court documents indicate that Damiano said he was delivering the tablets to a sick friend.

When a police officer contacted Damiano, he declined to speak, Lieb said.

Damiano posted $5,000 bail Jan. 20 after his bond was reduced from its original $150,000. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Lieb said the pharmacy also was missing anti-anxiety medication in its audit, but there was no evidence linking Damiano to those pills.

Through a spokesman, Walgreens declined to comment. Damiano's lawyer, Donahue & Walsh in McHenry, did not return a phone call for comment.

If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face six to 30 years in prison.