SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Wakonda, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of Theft in Connection with Health Care and three counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception, and Subterfuge.
Cody Carstensen, age 46, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 5, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Count one of the Indictment alleges that between June 2019 and February 2022, Carstensen knowingly and willfully embezzled, stole, and converted without authority to the use of any person other than the rightful owner hydrocodone, oxymorphone, oxycontin, oxycodone, and morphine valued at more than $100.
Count two of the Indictment alleges that between June 13, 2020, and May 22, 2021, Carstensen knowingly and intentionally acquired and obtained hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
Count three of the Indictment alleges that between July 22, 2020, and December 15, 2020, Carstensen knowingly and intentionally acquired and obtained morphine, a Schedule II controlled substance, by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
Count four of the Indictment alleges that between April 2, 2020, and December 16, 2021, Carstensen knowingly and intentionally acquired and obtained oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
The charges are merely accusations and Carstensen is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by DEA and DCI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
Carstensen was released on bond pending trial which has been set for December 13, 2022.
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