MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. - A local nurse is jailed on charges of doctor shopping for prescription medications.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department Drug Division completed an investigation into doctor shopping by a local nurse on Thursday, February 2. In early January 2012, detectives received a tip alleging that Tonya Rolison of Paducah was obtaining controlled substances by fraud from area doctors. 

Detectives began an investigation and immediately discovered several discrepancies in Rolison’s prescription medication history. Beginning in late 2010, Rolison began receiving Tramadol, a controlled substance pain reliever, from several different doctors. At this same time, she was receiving Tramadol from a local Veterinarian for her dog. This pattern continued for several months. 

In late 2011, Rolison also began receiving Ambien, a controlled substance sleep aid, from more than one doctor. As with the Tramadol, there were several overlaps in the prescriptions for Ambien.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Rolison had seen two different Veterinarians for the treatment of her dog. The investigation revealed that Rolison had received Tramadol from both of the Veterinarians and had received the Tramadol within the same time period on more than one occasion. 

On Friday January 30, Rolison was indicted by the McCracken County Grand Jury on five counts of Attempt/Obtain Controlled Substance by Fraud/False Statement. Each count is a class “D” felony and is punishable by 1 – 5 years in prison. 

Thursday morning, Rolison turned herself in to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department. She was booked and bonded out on $5,000 bail.