Real estate agent is charged in medication theft

Last update: July 21, 2008 - 11:51 PM

A real estate agent who Minnetonka police say may be linked to dozens of prescription medication thefts was charged Monday with four felonies. If convicted, Charles Lindley, 64, could face up to 17 1/2 years in jail and a $35,000 fine.

According to the complaint, officers were tipped off to Lindley by one of his clients. The client said he returned to his home to find three bottles of prescription medication missing after Lindley supposedly showed their house.

Two weeks later, Minnetonka police received another report of prescription medication theft in a home shown by Lindley. Hours later, officers staked out another showing. They observed Lindley enter the home alone and walk directly to the kitchen, opening up cupboards and drawers. He then went into a bathroom, and he was heard opening and closing drawers.

After following Lindley home, police arrested him. They found a white sock containing 85 prescription medication pills in his car.

The complaint said Lindley admitted to stealing the prescription pain medications to supplement his prescription of Tramadol, another painkiller.

RODRIGO ZAMITH

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