Police allege woman posed as patient to get pills

FAIRBANKS - A Fairbanks woman has been charged with forgery after police say she posed as another woman in order to obtain prescription painkillers.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports 32-year-old Jessica N. Brown underwent knee surgery in July 2009, after which she was given painkiller pills.

In January, Brown allegedly posed as Jamie Bavilla, a real patient, and got 20 prescription pills from Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Brown allegedly repeated the act twice more, and was treated by three different doctors.

On March 6, a doctor called the real Bavilla to follow-up, and found that she had not been to the hospital.

The hospital visits and prescription drugs cost $3,000.

Brown has previously been charged with extortion.