Vet Tech Stole Cancer Meds Meant For Pets

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A veterinary technician who used to work in Southeast stole life-saving oncology medications used to treat animals with cancer from the facility.

Elisa Sanchez, a Dutchess County resident, was convicted Dec. 1 after a jury trial on charges of third-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Putnam County District Attorney Robert V. Tendy said Sanchez worked for Guardian Veterinary Specialists. Members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to Guardian on July 28, 2022, after fellow employees reported seeing Sanchez place medications in her personal bag.

They had seen her do that on prior occasions before reporting her to management, Tendy said.

"It’s very sad that essential cancer medications for dogs, cats — people’s beloved pets — would be stolen by a vet tech. It’s just a really low thing to do," he said. "Fortunately, the Guardian employees and management were vigilant and reached out to law enforcement."

The case was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant
District Attorneys Mackenzie Ferguson and Melissa Lynch.

Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced by County Court Judge Anthony Molé on Jan. 31. She faces a maximum sentence of 2 1/3 to 7 years’ incarceration in state prison.