A Cedar Rapids man has been accused of taking prescription drugs meant for a University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics patient.

Jeremiah Martin, 37, was charged Aug. 28 with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of prescription drugs.

According to a UI police complaint, the defendant obtained four prescription medications for hospital patient Corey Merritt.

One of the drugs he allegedly took, which he did not have a valid prescription for, was Hydromorphone HCl, a controlled substance.

The defendant failed to give the prescription drugs to Merritt and kept them for himself.

The medications cost approximately $71.59.

Possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of prescription drugs are serious misdemeanors.

— by Megan Sanchez