KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A former nurse at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo has been for indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly tampering with vials of fentanyl, stealing the drug for her personal use.
WWMT-TV reports Alison Marshall of Sturgis, was working as a registered nurse in the interventional radiology unit of the hospital. In July and August 2020 she allegedly used a syringe to remove fentanyl from vials and replaced the opioid with another liquid, according to the indictment.
Documents from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) said the replacement liquid was saline. The indictment said Marshall knew full well that the tampered vials would be administered to patients.
Fentanyl, which is about 100 times more potent than morphine, is used as a pain reliever and anesthetic, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Hospital staff learned about the tampered vials when another nurse gave what she believed to be fentanyl to a patient and there was no response. LARA officials say Marshall admitted to stealing fentanyl eight times for personal use.
United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced Tuesday that a federal grand jury has charged Marshall with tampering with a consumer product. The offense carries up to 10 years in prison if Marshall is convicted.
Marshall was fired from Bronson Methodist Hospital in August 2020 and LARA suspended her license two months later.
