Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
A registered nurse from Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, Travis Eskridge, has admitted to tampering with vials of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., who was joined by Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham from the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office.
Eskridge, 53, worked in the emergency room at Ascension St. John Hospital. He confessed to removing fentanyl from vials intended for patients and replacing it with another liquid before returning the altered vials to the hospital's drug storage system. Eskridge acknowledged stealing fentanyl over several months. His actions were discovered in August 2022, leading to his immediate removal from his position.
United States Attorney Gorgon emphasized the responsibility of medical professionals to heal rather than harm: “Licensed medical professionals are supposed to be healers. Most are. When instead of healing they create a serious risk of harm to patients, the community must and will be protected.”
Special Agent Ronne Malham added that accountability is crucial when medical personnel exploit their positions: “Patients rely on receiving the proper FDA-approved medications from those entrusted with their medical care.”
Eskridge pled guilty before United States District Judge Susan K. DeClercq and remains free on bond under conditions that prevent him from seeking employment as a nurse. Sentencing is set for September 11, 2025.
The potential penalties include up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and supervised release for up to five years. The actual sentence will be determined by the Court following consideration of sentencing guidelines.
The case is being investigated by special agents from the Food and Drug Administration.
