Belton Pharmacist Indicted In Drug Ring

A 57-year-old Belton pharmacist and four other people are indicted for allegedly working together to illegally distribute almost $1 million in prescription drugs.


U.S. Attorney John Wood said Thursday that a federal grand jury has charged pharmacist Mary Lynn Rostie with participating in the conspiracy from August 2004 to October 2005.


Also charged were Cynthia S. Martin, also of Belton, and Dr. Christopher L. Elder, Troy R. Solomon and Delmon L. Johnson, all of Houston, Texas.


Prosecutors claim Elder sent hundreds of bogus prescriptions to Rostie's The Medicine Shoppe for painkillers, sedatives, anti-anxiety medication and other drugs. She then allegedly shipped the drugs by mail to Elder and Solomon, who allegedly dispensed the drugs.


Prosecutors said that in some cases, the patients listed were dead.

"It's very shocking. I've been a customer for years. They are always cautious here," Belton customer Laura Majors told KMBC's Chris Nagus.

Majors said she knows Rostie well.

"She's very nice. She's great -- been taking care of us for years," Majors said. "I wouldn't think it's true. I can't imagine her doing anything like that."

She said she plans to continue going to The Medicine Shoppe.

"I'll be back. I'll be back, definitely," Majors said.

Rostie has not returned KMBC's messages for comment.

KMBC also attempted to contact Martin, who is accused of introducing Rostie to one of the Texans involved and delivering cash payments.

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