Atlantic County sisters charged in theft of drugs from skilled nursing facility

Two Atlantic County sisters are accused of stealing drugs from a skilled nursing facility where one worked.

Deborah Baskerville, 38, of Galloway Township, allegedly used her sister's identity and nursing license to work a shift at Complete Care in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County last Halloween, according to the charges.

Baskerville took 10 oxycodone pills from a locked medicine cabinet and replaced them with allergy pills while using her sister's identity, according to the investigation led by Shrewsbury Detective Sgt. Daniel Decristofaro.

Shonte Hall, 36, of Egg Harbor City, is accused of conspiring with her sister.

An ongoing investigation is looking to confirm whether the pair allegedly committed similar crimes at other facilities where Hall was assigned as an employee of a nursing company that outsources services as needed.

Both women have held practical nursing licenses, state records show.

Hall was first licensed Oct. 21, 2014, and is still listed as active.

Baskerville was issued her LPN on Sept. 5, 2020, but is currently listed as "inactive" due to a "board employee request," the listing states.

When Baskerville earned her degree from the Cape May County Technical School in August of 2020, she told the Cape May County Herald about about traveling from Galloway to the school and how the time on the road was worth it.

"I knew a little from being a dental assistant," the wife and mother said. "But this program was way deeper. We are prepared to pursue this career." 

Baskerville is now charged with impersonation under a false identity, unlicensed practice of medicine under a false identity, theft by deception, theft of a controlled dangerous substance,unlicensed practice of medicine and conspiracy to commit theft by deception.

She turned herself in to authorities early last month, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Hall is charged with conspiracy to commit theft by deception and conspiracy to commit unlicensed practice of medicine. She turned herself in several weeks after her sister.

Both appeared in Monmouth County Superior Court last week and were released on their own recognizance pending future court proceedings.

Anyone with information about the activities of the women is asked to call Sgt. DeCristofaro at 732-741-2500, ext. 230.