Fairfield pharmacist sentenced to four years of probation

FAIRFIELD – The founder of Summit Pharmacy in Fairfield, Bryan Vander Linden, was sentenced to four years of probation on July 28 for diverting pills from the pharmacy for his own personal use.

Vander Linden, 43, was ordered to pay a $9,500 fine as well, after pleading guilty to “acquiring and attempting to acquire a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, or subterfuge.” Vander Linden admitted that from June 2022 to at least November 2023, he obtained prescription pills for his own use from Summit Pharmacy, which he founded in 2020 at 300 W. Burlington in Fairfield.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Iowa, “To obtain the pills, Vander Linden would order and not report the pills in the pharmacy’s inventory, take from the pharmacy stock, or take pills from the controlled substance collection bin. In total, Vander Linden obtained more than 3,500 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, Schedule II controlled substances, and more than 400 carisoprodol pills, a Schedule IV muscle relaxant.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and DEA Omaha Division Acting Special Agent Rafael Mattei commented on Vander Linden’s sentence after it was handed down.

“Pharmacists are entrusted with the handling of controlled substances and ensuring that laws are followed in their handling,” Mattei stated in a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “This Iowa pharmacist broke that trust by diverting controlled substances for his own use. I commend the DEA Diversion Investigators whose work uncovered the diversion of controlled substances in this case and who work diligently to ensure that pharmacies follow the law and maintain a safe and secure environment.”

Attorney Elizabeth A. Tursi of Des Moines represented Vander Linden, and offered the following statement on his behalf after learning of the sentence.

“Bryan remains deeply grateful for the support and understanding the community has shown throughout his recovery journey and looks forward to continuing to contribute positively to Fairfield in new ways as he focuses on his family, health, and helping others facing similar challenges,” she said. “The Vander Lindens wish to reassure the Fairfield community that Summit Pharmacy remains open and fully committed to serving its customers under the talented new ownership of Woody and Erin Orne. The community can continue to expect the same high standards, personalized service, and devoted care they have always received at Summit Pharmacy for years to come.”

Vander Linden announced in June that, due to complications with his court case and his inability to bill Medicaid, he decided to sell his pharmacy, and that Woody and Erin Orne would assume ownership on or after Aug. 1.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com