DERRY TOWNSHIP (WPMT)-A former Derry Township police officer was charged Monday with stealing prescription drugs from an evidence room at the police station, investigators said.
Authorities charged Sergeant Brian W. Romberger, of Annville, with theft, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a controlled substance and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.
Romberger, 43, allegedly stole evidence related to at least 11 cases, including Percocet, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Alprazolam (Xanax), Tramadol, Opana, Soma, Suboxene, Carispodol and Trazadone, according to documents filed in District Court.
The investigation came to light back in August after Derry Township police discovered several prescription pills were missing from their secure evidence storage room. An inventory was taken–and while the total number of pills cannot be definitely determined–at minimum 375 pills were unaccounted for, court documents state.
Romberger was the primary evidence custodian at the time. According to the affidavit, Romberger had reported health problems and at times would fall asleep at work or have other difficulties functioning. During an interview with Pennsylvania State Police, Romberger admitted that he took the missing pills and consumed them, according to court documents. He also admitted to having a substance abuse problem.
Romberger waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His formal arraignment is set for February 24.
OneMan'sOpinion
Forgot your oath? Aren’t the health benefits that the public pays for good enough to handle your problems? It’s probably better than our insurance.
Princess Xena
the police need to have random drug testing…
det.steven crider was on drugs the whole time ,
some wacked-out cop on the loose arresting
and harassing innocent people and to think of all
the court cases dropped for lack of evidence…
OneMan'sOpinion
Random Drug Tests should be held for:
Teachers, any emergency responders, doctors, nurses, pilots, train operators, all CDL holders, people who operate forklifts and equipment of the like, construction workers, federal, state and municipal workers/agents on taxpayer-funded salaries, politicians in office
Princess Xena
I’m sure my taxes pay for police service…don’t forget random drug tests for
drug addicts..man