By Devin Fry
EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. (Valley News Live) – A Grand Forks woman faces multiple felony charges after authorities say she stole prescription pain pills from elderly residents at a senior living facility where she worked.
Nicole Rae Larson, 49, of Grand Forks, N.D., is 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. She is currently in custody at the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.
According to court documents, an East Grand Forks Police Detective was called to Good Samaritan Senior Living in East Grand Forks on Jan. 8, 2026, to investigate a report of tampered prescription medications.
A facility administrator told investigators that an employee discovered a medication card had been tampered with, a card that was supposed to contain oxycodone, instead held what was determined to be Tylenol. The bubble-seal on the back of the card had been opened and then 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, according to the complaint.
Records showed Larson, a facility employee, had been dispensing oxycodone to one patient at a higher rate than other employees between Dec. 4, 2025, and Jan. 8, 2026.
On Jan. 9, 2026, the Detective observed Larson arriving at the facility’s parking lot. After being advised of her rights, Larson initially denied taking any medications. She later admitted to tampering with medication cards and stealing the pills, court documents say.
Larson told investigators the theft began after she hurt her ankle just after Thanksgiving. She said she took more than 20 but fewer than 50 pills, consumed them all, and used pills as often as every three hours, as many as 10 per day. She also agreed to provide a urine sample, which tested positive for oxycodone and benzodiazepine.
Prosecutors say they intend to seek an aggravated sentence, citing Larson’s abuse of her position of trust and the endangerment of the health and welfare of the patients in her care.
Each felony theft count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. The felony possession charge carries a maximum of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
