Oregon Nurse Accused of Stealing Oxycodone From Elderly Patient and Telling Staff to Cover It Up
A Eugene nurse who used to work at River Run Place, an assisted living facility in Eugene, Meagan Elizabeth Johnson, is facing criminal charges after allegedly stealing pain medication from an elderly resident for whose care she was legally responsible.
Court documents indicate that the victim is a new resident who arrived at River Run Place on January 16 with a prescription for oxycodone to manage pain from a spinal fusion. Witnesses said that, during the admissions process, Johnson pocketed her medication.
- Jan 16 2026 : New resident arrives with oxycodone prescription after spinal fusion.
- Jan 16 2026 : Witness says nurse pocketed medication during admission.
- Jan 2026 : Technician says nurse urged staff to record no meds and later texted to stick to that story.
- Feb 4 2026 : Arraignment scheduled on criminal mistreatment and theft charges.
A medical technician who saw the incident was instructed by Johnson to claim the victim arrived with no medication and to provide a topical pain gel instead. Johnson allegedly later texted the technician, admitting the medication was in her car. She told the technician to “stick to the story” that no medication accompanied the victim.
The theft caused the victim, who was unable to even sleep due to the lack of proper medication, severe pain. The victim, with tears in his eyes, was told by a nurse that he could see her pain but was legally unable to assist her.
Johnson was charged with criminal mistreatment and theft on Thursday and is scheduled to be arraigned on February 4.