BREAKING: A Massachusetts nurse has been arrested for allegedly tampering with oxycodone intended for a vulnerable dementia patient. Lori Robertson, 65, was taken into custody this week and charged with one count of tampering with a consumer product, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office for Massachusetts.
Officials report that Robertson, who worked at a long-term care facility in Amesbury, had access to opioids prescribed to patients, including a non-verbal hospice patient. The alleged tampering incident occurred on March 31, 2023, when she reportedly removed oxycodone from a bottle using a syringe and replaced it with a household cleaner, posing a serious risk to the patient’s health.
The indictment highlights the severity of Robertson’s actions, stating she displayed “reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death and bodily injury.” Oxycodone, classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, was produced outside of Massachusetts, emphasizing the national implications of this case.
Robertson was arraigned in federal court on Friday before Judge Paul Levenson. During the hearing, she pleaded not guilty, and federal prosecutors agreed not to seek detention. However, stringent release conditions were imposed, including prohibitions on drug and alcohol use, no contact with the alleged victim, and restrictions on employment involving access to prescription medications.
The charge of tampering with a consumer product carries serious penalties, potentially leading to a prison sentence of up to 10 years, three years of supervised release, and a fine reaching $250,000.
A status conference has been scheduled for November 24, where further developments in the case will be discussed. This shocking incident raises urgent questions about patient safety and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. As the case unfolds, it underscores the critical need for vigilant oversight in healthcare settings to protect the most vulnerable patients.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities continue their investigation.
