OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Last week 10News learned the director of the North County Humane Society had resigned her position. Now, Stacy Steel faces federal drug charges, 10News reported.

The North County Humane Society board was worried last week and not willing to go on camera but confirmed Steel no longer worked there.

The Drug Enforcement Administration would say only that big news was coming in about a week.

A drug enforcement spokesperson said agents conducted a two-month investigation, tracking Steel while she was director.

Beginning in August of last year, agents say Steel received more than 3,600 hydrocodone pills -- better known as vicodin -- without a prescription.

"Anybody -- doctors, researchers -- who has the ability to obtain or prescribe is subject to regulation by the DEA," said DEA special agent Dan Simmons.

Veterinary clinics and some animal shelters stock some very powerful controlled substances -- typically used during animal surgeries.

Those in charge are supposed to follow strict rules for storing and monitoring the drugs and must agree to random DEA inspections.

Drug enforcement agents say they still have questions for Steel.

"How it came to be that this substance was obtained through the society without a prescription?" asked Simmons.

So far, Steel is charged with only one count, but agents say the investigation continues.