Pharmacy heists lead to 18-year prison sentence

A repeat felon from West Virginia will spend 18 years in federal prison for robbing area pharmacies with a partner.

U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose imposed that term Thursday on Dana Shipley, 53, formerly of Fairmont.

Shipley and Stephan Corrick, 56, formerly of Harmar, wore Star Wars masks in 2016 when they hit area pharmacies and stole thousands of narcotics pills.

Both pleaded guilty. Corrick is awaiting sentencing.

Federal agents and police said they robbed Palmer’s Pharmacy in Russellton and Keystone Pharmacy in New Alexandria, both times while wearing Kylo Ren masks.

In the Palmer’s heist in March 2016, the pair stole 10,000 prescription pills, including oxycodone and fentanyl. The value of the drugs was estimated at $235,000.

In the second heist in April, one was brandishing a gun and the other pepper spray. They ordered the employees to the floor and handcuffed them, then made off with 15,000 to 20,000 pills.

Police were able to determine that Corrick bought the masks at a local Target and confronted him, after which he confessed. Shipley was identified and arrested soon afterward. In his backpack, authorities found a pistol and pills from the New Alexandria robbery.

Corrick is set to be sentenced in March.