MARIANNA, Fla. — A former caregiver is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she stole thousands of prescription pain pills from vulnerable adults under her care.
The Marianna Police Department announced the arrest of 41-year-old Erica Smith of Malone following what investigators described as an extensive exploitation investigation.
Police said the case began after Smith was arrested in connection with a separate financial crime. During an internal review by her employer and a coordinated criminal investigation, authorities said they uncovered evidence of a long-running scheme involving several vulnerable adult clients.
According to investigators, Smith worked in a position of trust, providing in-home and community-based services to adults diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her duties included helping with daily living needs, medication management, financial assistance and transportation to medical appointments.
Authorities said that over several years, Smith manipulated medical providers into issuing prescriptions for Hydrocodone and Oxycodone in the names of multiple clients. Records show the prescriptions were filled monthly at a local pharmacy.
However, police said a review of residential medication logs and controlled substance records revealed the medications were never delivered to the clients’ homes, never logged and never administered.
Investigators determined that more than 14,000 Hydrocodone tablets and over 1,600 Oxycodone tablets were stolen.
Officials also said prescription costs were charged to the vulnerable adults and Medicare Part D providers, resulting in thousands of dollars in improper charges to both individuals and government-funded health care programs.
Smith is charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult, organized scheme to defraud, grand theft of a controlled substance, grand theft, trafficking in Hydrocodone and trafficking in Oxycodone.
On Feb. 27, 2025, investigators obtained felony warrants for Smith’s arrest. She later turned herself in and made her first appearance in Jackson County, Florida, where her bond was set at $385,000.
Police said the investigation remains active and additional charges are possible as financial audits and prescription reviews continue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marianna Police Department at 850-526-3125, Chipola Crime Stoppers at 850-526-5000, or the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
