Buffalo Grove woman gets probation in prescription scam

A Buffalo Grove woman was placed on probation for two years Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to impersonating a doctor to obtain prescription medicine.

Helaine Schaff, 54, will have the record of her conviction erased if she completes the probation without further violations of the law.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Scott Hoffert said Schaff, of the 1300 block of Whitney Drive, would call drug stores in the village and identify herself as a doctor.

Between April 15 and Oct. 17 of last year, Hoffert said, Schaff obtained prescription painkillers from the stores at least eight times.

On Oct. 17, a pharmacist at one of the stores called the doctor Schaff was impersonating to verify the information Schaff had provided. Police were called when a nurse at the doctor's office told the pharmacist Schaff had not been issued a prescription for the drug.

She pleaded guilty Tuesday to unlawful acquisition of a controlled substance, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman also fined Schaff $500 and ordered her to perform 30 hours of community service while on probation.