By Jacob Mathias

A Wisconsin Rapids woman who stole narcotic medicated pain patches off of a man’s back is charged with multiple felonies.

Jill Jackson, 38, is charged with felony burglary, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 12 years and six months imprisonment, or a $25,000 fine or both if convicted. She is also charged with aggravated battery of a physically disabled person, another felony with a maximum sentence of up to six years imprisonment, or a $10,000 fine or both.

According to court documents, Wisconsin Rapids police investigated a theft at Renaissance Assisted Living facility on Aug. 25 shortly after 10 PM. Employees there said a 68-year-old male cancer patient had Fentanyl patches taken from his back. Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic pain killer.

The man told police Jackson had entered his room earlier that day and told him she was removing his patches on advisement from the doctor because they were bleeding near the edges, which was untrue.

Jackson allegedly ripped the patches off with such force that it caused him to bleed. When Jackson left the room, she told the man she was going to call the doctor and then return to the room, which she did not.

Nurses from the facility say they observed bleeding where the patches were removed and normally they are to be removed slowly to prevent that.

When questioned, Jackson said she had been prescribed another painkiller in the past for what she called a “frozen shoulder.” She reported having withdrawal symptoms unless he had opioid medications in her system.

Jackson told police she would retrieve discarded Fentanyl patches from dumpsters and they would help with her withdrawal symptoms. She said she knew the victim would be due for new patches on the same day she removed them.

Jackson admitted to taking the patches off the victim and said she saw a small, bleeding cut on the man’s back.

She is free on a $2,000 signature bond and is to have no contact with the victim or employment in any assisted living or health care facility.

Jackson returns to Wood County Circuit Court on November 4 at 10:45 AM for her preliminary hearing and arraignment.