By Lisa Pett

A Neenah woman appeared in Portage County Court on Tuesday after failing to show for her initial hearing on September 14.

Tabitha Payne, 26, is charged with obtaining prescription drugs through fraud on July 21 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point.

According to the criminal complaint, Payne arrived at St. Michael’s emergency room requesting pain killers for tooth pain. When the doctor checked records of the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, he found multiple prescriptions in Payne’s name in the Fox Valley area. She had also been on a watch list for at least one area pharmacy since March.

A call to St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay confirmed that Payne had filled a prescription for Norco, a schedule II narcotic painkiller, the day before.

When questioned by officers, Payne denied knowing about the prescription in her name in Green Bay. She later admitted to filling the prescription in Green Bay but said she took a few pills and flushed the rest.

A records check revealed her to be on active probation so she taken into custody.

She was cited and released but when she failed to show for court on September 14, a bench warrant was issued. She posted a $500 cash alternative and was issued a $1,000 signature bond on Tuesday. She was also ordered not to consume any controlled substances without a valid prescription.

Payne’s next court date is set for December 7.