A Jonesboro woman is facing multiple charges after police reported she falsely claimed to work for St. Bernards Healthcare while collecting prescription medications through an alleged drug take-back program.
Kori Partovi was charged with possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, a Class C felony, alongside three Class A misdemeanors: possession of a Schedule IV or V controlled substance, theft of $1,000 or less, and second-degree criminal impersonation.
Jonesboro police were dispatched around 8:46 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, to the Paula and Covey drives area following a report of a suspicious individual in the neighborhood. According to a probable cause affidavit, residents told police a woman was going door to door, collecting old medications and claiming she was working on behalf of St. Bernards Healthcare.
Officers located Partovi and noted she was carrying a purple bag. When approached, police said she initially claimed she was working with a Facebook group running a drug take-back program. She later told officers there were no formal instructions for the effort but that her actions were inspired by doctors and attorneys conducting similar programs in Memphis. Partovi also said she had personal motivations, stating a family member had died from an overdose.
According to the police report, home surveillance video showed Partovi representing herself as a St. Bernards worker. One resident, who is employed by the hospital, recognized that her request did not align with any standard procedure for a legitimate drug take-back program.
Police stated that with Partovi's consent, they searched the purple bag and found prescription medications belonging to another individual. Among the medications were 16 hydrocodone and acetaminophen pills, classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, and 17 zolpidem pills, commonly known as Ambien, classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Additional pills in the bag were not controlled substances. Police also reported finding several adhesive bags, which they believe were intended for packaging purposes.
On Monday, District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause for the charges and set Partovi’s bond at $35,000 cash or surety. The court also issued a no-contact order. Partovi is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 in Craighead County Circuit Court in Jonesboro.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.