Henry County Attorney, Darin Stater, acting in the name and by the authority of the State of Iowa, has filed multiple criminal charges against Ashley Ann Bessine related to alleged prescription drug diversion and record tampering while employed as a nurse at New London Specialty Care. The charges stem from transactions in August and September of 2025.
Investigators state that between August 27 and September 13, 2025, Bessine falsified official medical records by creating false entries in residents’ paper narcotics logs. The logs are considered official medical records, and the alleged false documentation was used to conceal the diversion of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.
According to court documents, between September 12 and September 13, 2025, Bessine allegedly tampered with a resident’s Oxycodone medication by removing the controlled substance from the medication card and replacing it with an Amlodipine pill. Authorities state the pill slot was then taped shut to conceal the tampering. The resident was later administered the incorrect medication and did not receive the prescribed Oxycodone.
Allegations in court documents state between August 28 and September 12, 2025, Bessine documented administering numerous PRN Hydrocodone doses to a resident while working at the facility. The resident, a retired nurse, told investigators she did not receive the Hydrocodone doses that were documented as administered. Authorities allege Bessine diverted the medication for her own use.
Court records further allege that on September 4, 2025, Bessine documented administering three PRN Oxycodone doses to a resident who had a physician’s order allowing no more than two doses per day. Investigators determined only two doses were administered and allege the third dose was diverted by Bessine.
On September 10, 2025, Bessine is accused of documenting two Hydrocodone administrations for a resident at the same time on separate paper narcotics logs. Authorities determined that only one dose was administered and allege the second dose was diverted.
Court documents also allege that on September 13, 2025, Bessine committed dependent adult abuse while acting as a caretaker. Authorities state she diverted a resident’s Oxycodone by swapping it with an Amlodipine pill. The resident did not have a prescription or medical need for Amlodipine. The Amlodipine pill used in the swap was allegedly taken from another resident, causing that resident to miss a scheduled dose of prescribed medication.
Bessine is charged with four counts of prohibited acts involving prescription drugs, all Class C felonies, one count of tampering with records, an aggravated misdemeanor, and one count of caretaker dependent adult abuse, a serious misdemeanor.