A Broward Publix pharmacist changed prescriptions to steal drugs, state says
A pharmacist’s license has been suspended after accusations of altering Publix customer prescriptions so he could acquire opioids for his own use.
Coral Springs resident Anthony Palumbo had no previous disciplinary history, according to the Florida Department of Health, since becoming a licensed pharmacist since 2004. After February’s emergency suspension order from Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, the Florida Department of Health filed an administrative complaint to start the process toward further disciplinary action.
Palumbo didn’t respond to a phone message and email from the Miami Herald. Publix didn’t respond to an email asking Palumbo’s employment status. Broward County online court records show no criminal charges filed.
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According to the complaint, from Jan. 9, 2025, through Aug. 13, 2025, while working at a Coral Springs Publix, Palumbo “altered legitimate oxycodone prescriptions” for one customer. He did the same in April and May 2025 with a Percocet prescription for another customer.
“Between the approximate dates of Jan. 9, 2025, and Aug. 13, 2025, [Palumbo] obtained possession of Percocet and/or oxycodone from his employer through misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and/or subterfuge on one or more occasion,” the complaint said.
