HARRISBURG, PA — A Monroe County woman is facing a series of felony charges after allegedly orchestrating a years-long scheme to fraudulently acquire thousands of opioid pills by claiming she was suffering from terminal cancer.
According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, 40-year-old Brandi Leigh Bachman is accused of deceiving at least 19 healthcare providers across Monroe, Lehigh, and Carbon counties between 2021 and 2024, ultimately securing nearly 8,300 oxycodone tablets. Authorities say she falsely asserted that she had malignant melanoma that had metastasized to her lungs, at times using forged medical documentation to support her claims.
Bachman was arrested on Wednesday and is charged with 21 felony counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, along with counts of identity theft and criminal use of a communication facility. She is currently free on $25,000 bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 14.
“Fraudulently obtaining thousands of opioid prescription pills in this manner is offensive to those living with a legitimate diagnosis,” said Attorney General Sunday in a statement. “This conduct also endangers our communities by increasing the supply of these drugs available for off-label use.”
Investigators from the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics – Allentown allege that Bachman not only fabricated her medical condition but also stole the identities of at least three physicians to facilitate her scheme. In interviews with authorities, some healthcare providers recounted how she evaded further testing or treatment by claiming she had declined curative options and was only seeking end-of-life care.
In some instances, providers later confirmed that the documentation Bachman provided had been falsified, further undermining her credibility and leading to the charges now filed.
The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christie Bonesch. As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Bachman are allegations. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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