OHIO — A former Cleveland Clinic employee has pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing prescription drugs from the hospital and selling them on the street.

Curtis Green, who worked at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest, now faces prison time for his role in the drug diversion case.

Drug diversion, a widespread issue in healthcare settings, often involves employee theft of prescription medications for personal use or financial gain.

According to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, this type of theft is one of the most significant forms of drug diversion.

Between December 2022 and April 2023, Green reportedly placed fraudulent orders through a wholesaler, stealing more than 16,000 oxycodone tablets and over 50 vials of fentanyl, along with other controlled substances.

In April 2023, the Suburban Police Anti-Crime Network (S.P.A.N.) Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at Green’s Mayfield Heights apartment.

Investigators seized fentanyl, marijuana, a pill press, a laptop, firearms, nearly $75,000 in cash, and Green’s Cleveland Clinic ID badge.

Officials continue to emphasize the importance of monitoring and accountability to combat such incidents.