TOPEKA, KAN. – A former Fort Riley nurse was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of stealing fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, according to U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

Lana J. Pendergast, 56, Clay Center, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawfully obtaining a controlled substance. The indictment alleges that while she worked as a nurse at Irwin Army Hospital she began taking fentanyl for her own use, replacing the stolen fentanyl with saline to cover up the crime. The fentanyl vials containing saline were disposed of as waste.

If convicted, she faces a possible maximum penalty of four years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham is prosecuting.