A former surgical assistant at a Littleton oral surgery practice, Amber June Hyatt, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Hyatt, 47, from Evergreen, pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product.
According to court documents, in June 2023 Hyatt’s roommate discovered several fentanyl vials and safety caps inside a plastic bag in Hyatt’s purse at their home. The roommate reported the discovery to the oral surgery practice, which then notified the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office about a possible theft. An investigation revealed that boxes of fentanyl citrate stored in the practice's controlled substance safe had been tampered with. Laboratory analysis found that seven of the tampered vials contained replacement liquid; one vial was also contaminated with bacteria.
“Unsuspecting patients are put at serious risk when crimes like this are committed in healthcare practices,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “Would-be fentanyl thieves should take note that this behavior gets you a ticket to federal prison.”
George Taylor, Diversion Program Manager for the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, stated: “Medical professionals must serve as a bulwark against prescription drug abuse. When surgical assistants violate the trust of the physicians they work for and the patients they serve, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its state and local partners along with the United States Attorney’s Office will step in and use every tool available to protect the public. DEA will relentlessly pursue those who divert controlled substances and hold them accountable. There is no excuse for medical professionals to break the law in pursuit of their own gratification.”
Acting Special Agent In Charge Jonathan Lamb from the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations added: “People depend on their healthcare providers to provide safe and effective medication when needed for pain relief. The FDA will continue to hold accountable anyone who violates this trust by tampering with patients’ medication and compromising their care.”
United States District Judge S. Kato Crews presided over Hyatt's sentencing. The case was investigated by both the Drug Enforcement Administration and Food & Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Anna Edgar prosecuted.
Case Number: 1-25-cr-00092-SKC
