Golden – A former veterinary technician has pleaded guilty to stealing narcotics and diluting the remaining drugs that were then given to animals in surgery.
Amy Lynn Kanzler, 26, of Denver, was charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and deceit and aggravated animal cruelty.
Court documents state that Kanzler stole morphine for her personal use by withdrawing from sealed vials with a syringe and then replacing it with saline solution. She also took vials of morphine.
Kanzler, who entered the plea today, in Jefferson County District Court, will be sentenced April 5. She faces up to four and a half years in prison.
In April 2006, Kanzler worked for Willbowbrook Animal Hospital, 12255 W. Bowles Ave., when she was fired “for stealing controlled drugs,” according to hospital officials.
An investigation by the West Metro Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration connected Kanzler to metro area veterinary clinics.
Kanzler also told investigators that she took morphine while she worked at Arvada Animal, 16255 W. 64th Ave., from May through July last year.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
