SAXONBURG — A former employee of Saxony Health Center was arrested this week on charges she stole prescription painkillers from patients.

McKenzie L. Scott, 28, of Hampton Township, Allegheny County, admitted that she forged the signatures of other nurses to steal oxycodone pills in April when she worked at the facility, according to court documents.

Saxonburg police said Scott blamed her actions on “rough times” she was going through at the time, including a divorce.

District Judge Lewis Stoughton on Tuesday arraigned Scott on five felony counts each of fraudulent acquisition of a controlled substance and forgery. She also is charged with five misdemeanor counts each of possession of a controlled substance and theft.

Scott, who is free on her own recognizance, could not be reached for comment.

The Saxony Health Center officials in May notified police after suspecting Scott had stolen the pain medication intended for patients. The pills were taken April 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27, documents said.

Officials at the facility told police they had placed the suspect on leave pending a drug test of her. However, she failed to show up for the test.

She later resigned, police said.

Saxonburg Police Chief Joseph Beachem interviewed Scott on June 10. She acknowledged taking a “handful” of oxycodone as well as one Ritalin pill, documents said.

Her preliminary hearing is July 27 at Stoughton’s office in Chicora.