WHITE PINE--A 29-year-old Jefferson City man has been
charged with three pharmacy robberies, according to White Pine Police Chief
Charlie Epps.
Epps said Nicholas "Nick" Lukens, formerly of
Baneberry, was arrested Monday by the Jefferson City Police Department.
He has been charged with the robberies of Sanitary Drug
in White Pine, Town and Country Drugs in Newport, and Cunningham Drugs in Bulls
Gap, Epps said.
"He has been charged with aggravated robbery in
connection with the robbery of Sanitary Drug," Epps said.
Sanitary Drug was robbed June 30. According to White Pine
authorities, approximately $6,000 worth of OxyContin was taken.
Epps explained the Jefferson City Police Department had
arrested someone on other charges who then gave them information that led them
to Lukens. He said after Jefferson City Police spoke with Lukens, they learned
about his connection with the crimes and contacted White Pine Police.
"This arrest was made by the sharing of information
with the Jefferson City Police Department," said Epps. "It all comes
from sharing information and area police departments working together."
He said Jefferson City Police Dept. Det. Rollins Holt
played a significant role in the arrest.
Town and Country Drugs was robbed June 21, and $10,000
worth of Oxycodone was taken.
Cunningham Drugs was robbed June 3. According to the
Rogersville Review, 485 OxyContin pills and $190 in cash were taken in the
robbery.
Newport Police Dept. Det. Lynn Shults is handling the
Newport portion of the case. He was unavailable for comment Wednesday morning.
According to Epps, Lukens is being held in the Jefferson
County Jail. His bond has been set at $100,000.