A former pharmaceutical technician is in custody following a joint investigation opened by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team.

In late June, CNT, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Georgia Bureau of Narcotics began a joint investigation following information a pharmaceutical technician was possibly stealing controlled substances from a pharmacy chain in Richmond Hill. The pharmacy was made aware of the investigation and fully cooperated with the investigation. As the investigation developed, CNT identified 42-year-old Lisa Marie Douthit of Long County as a suspect.

Through the course of various investigative means, investigators identified Douthit as stealing more than 600 prescription pills from the Richmond Hill store. In addition, it is believed Douthit also stole a minimum of 100 prescription pills, from another pharmacy within the same chain located in Savannah. All stolen pills were opioid based medication and are classified as a Scheduled II controlled substance. All thefts are believed to have occurred from May through June. Douthit was working as a pharmaceutical technician at the respected locations at the time of the thefts.

During the course of the investigation, Douthit was fired from the pharmacy chain and voluntarily surrendered her license to the Georgia Bureau of Narcotics.

Douthit was arrested Tuesday at her home in Long County and is currently being held in the Chatham County Detention Center. Douthit will face multiple felony drug and theft charges in Chatham and Bryan Counties.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges and arrests are expected.