An indictment has been unsealed against Travis Eskridge, a registered nurse from Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. The 53-year-old faces three counts of tampering with the controlled substance fentanyl, one count of theft of medical products by an employee, and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck announced the charges.

The announcement was made alongside Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham from the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office.

According to the indictment, Eskridge allegedly tampered with fentanyl vials while working in the emergency room at Ascension St. John Hospital. He is accused of removing fentanyl from vials intended for patients and replacing it with another liquid before returning them to storage. This alleged activity occurred over nine months and included stealing fentanyl for personal use. Eskridge was removed from his position at the hospital in August 2022 when these activities were discovered.

Acting United States Attorney Beck commented on the case: “Such crimes are a betrayal of the trust placed in licensed medical professionals. To protect the health and safety of our citizens, we take crimes like this seriously and pursue those in positions of trust who choose to harm others.”

Eskridge appeared before a Magistrate Judge at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan following his indictment and was released on bond under conditions that prohibit him from seeking employment as a nurse.

The statutory maximum penalties include up to 10 years imprisonment for each tampering count, up to 5 years for theft, and up to 4 years for acquiring by fraud. Each offense also carries a potential fine of $250,000. Sentencing would follow guidelines set by United States Sentencing Guidelines if convicted.

Special agents from the Food and Drug Administration are investigating this case.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; it does not constitute evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial where it will be up to the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.