Prosecutors: Zoo director fraudulently obtained animal drugs

ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The director of a Massachusetts zoo has been charged with fraudulently obtaining animal medications by using the zoo veterinarian’s Drug Enforcement Agency number without authorization.

The Sun Chronicle reports that Jean Benchimol, director of the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty Tuesday to charges including obtaining drugs by fraud and theft of a controlled substance. The zoo has suspended her.

Prosecutors say the 59-year-old Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resident used a personal credit card to order flea and tick control medications and antibiotics online, had them delivered to the zoo, and took them home.

Benchimol says she used the medications for dogs she fosters.

Her lawyer argued for dismissal, saying the medications are available over the counter and his client bought them online to save money.

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Information from: The (Attleboro, Mass.) Sun Chronicle, http://www.thesunchronicle.com