Grand Forks Woman Accused of Stealing Prescription Drugs from Senior Residents

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A 49-year-old Grand Forks woman named Nicole Rae Larson has been charged with three counts of felony theft of a controlled substance and one count of felony fifth-degree controlled substance possession, along with a misdemeanor DWI charge. Authorities say Larson, who worked at a senior living facility in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, stole prescription pain pills like oxycodone and hydrocodone from elderly residents and replaced them with acetaminophen or other medications.

Why it matters

The alleged theft of controlled substances from vulnerable senior residents by a trusted caregiver raises serious concerns about patient safety and the abuse of positions of trust within the healthcare system. This case highlights the need for robust medication management protocols and oversight in senior living facilities to protect residents from potential exploitation.

The details

According to court documents, an East Grand Forks Police Detective was called to the Good Samaritan Senior Living facility on January 8, 2026 to investigate a report of tampered prescription medications. A facility administrator said an employee discovered a medication card that was supposed to contain oxycodone but instead held Tylenol, with the bubble-seal on the back having been opened and taped shut. An audit revealed five additional medication cards had been tampered with in the same manner, belonging to three separate patients. In total, 46 pills, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, had been replaced with acetaminophen or other prescription medications.

• On January 8, 2026, the facility reported the tampered medication cards to the police.
• Between December 4, 2025 and January 8, 2026, records showed Larson had been dispensing oxycodone to one patient at a higher rate than other employees.
• On January 9, 2026, the detective observed Larson arriving at the facility's parking lot and she initially denied taking any medications before later admitting to tampering with the medication cards and stealing the pills.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Prosecutors say they intend to seek an aggravated sentence for Larson, citing the abuse of her position of trust and the endangerment of the health and welfare of the patients in her care.