Former Bronson nurse charged for allegedly tampering fentanyl vials
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A federal grand jury has charged a former nurse at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo for allegedly tampering with vials of fentanyl.
Alison Marshall, 46, of Sturgis, was working as a registered nurse in the interventional radiology unit of the hospital. But in July and August of 2020, Marshall 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 fentanyl to a patient and there was no response, a complaint filed by LARA said. Marshall admitted to stealing fentanyl eight times for personal use, the document stated.
United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced on 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.
Bronson fired Marshall in August 2020 and LARA suspended her license two months later.
