Syracuse, NY – Martin S. Kimber, a 60-year-old former pharmacist, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on September 19, 2013, for a deliberate and dangerous attack on Albany Medical Center. Kimber pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including using a toxic chemical – mercury – as a weapon and tampering with consumer products. The incident, which unfolded over several months in 2011 and culminated in a final contamination event in March 2012, involved the strategic placement of mercury throughout the hospital and its cafeteria, creating a significant public health hazard and causing widespread panic.
According to court documents and press releases from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, Kimber’s actions were motivated by a dispute over medical bills. Following treatment at Albany Medical Center in December 2010 and January 2011, he expressed dissatisfaction with the charges. Instead of pursuing legitimate avenues for resolution, Kimber embarked on a calculated campaign to disrupt hospital operations and inflict financial damage. He meticulously spread mercury in various locations, including the basement, hallways, triage area, and most alarmingly, directly onto food items in the cafeteria—salad bars, fruit bowls, and even inside a toaster containing chicken tenders.
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), revealed Kimber’s premeditation and understanding of the dangers of mercury. As a licensed pharmacist for 36 years, he possessed a comprehensive knowledge of the neurotoxic effects of the substance, fully aware of the potential for severe health consequences, including death, brain damage, and neurological disorders. Authorities discovered Kimber had been researching ways to acquire additional mercury through online searches on his computer.
Legal Ramifications and Penalties
Kimber was convicted under laws prohibiting the use of chemical weapons and the tampering of consumer products. Specifically, he violated statutes related to the intentional dissemination of a toxic substance with the intent to cause harm or terrorize. The penalties for these offenses are substantial. The charge of using a toxic chemical as a weapon carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, while the charge of tampering with consumer products carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. In addition to his 14-year prison term, Kimber was ordered to pay $200,451.48 in restitution to Albany Medical Center to cover the costs of cleanup, decontamination, and lost revenue. He also forfeited his residence and vehicle.
Discovery of Child Pornography
The investigation took an additional disturbing turn when authorities discovered child pornography on Kimber’s computer. While not directly related to the mercury attacks, this discovery added to the severity of his crimes and further demonstrated a pattern of deeply concerning behavior. The computer was ordered abandoned as part of the sentencing.
Preventative Measures and Law Enforcement Response
Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in resolving this complex case. The swift and coordinated response of the EPA, FBI, and FDA was crucial in containing the contamination, ensuring public safety, and bringing Kimber to justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for individuals to weaponize readily available substances and the need for vigilant security measures in public spaces. The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the dedication of the investigative teams and the professionalism of the emergency response personnel who worked tirelessly to mitigate the risks associated with the mercury contamination.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Martin S. Kimber
- Crime: Using a toxic chemical (mercury) as a weapon and tampering with consumer products.
- Location: Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
- Motivation: Dispute over medical bills.
- Sentence: 14 years in prison, 5 years supervised release, $200,451.48 restitution, and forfeiture of property.
- Legal Violations: Laws related to chemical weapons and tampering with consumer products.
- Additional Crime: Possession of child pornography discovered during investigation.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Martin J. Gruenberg, Workplace Culture Misconduct, Washington D.C.,… · New York
- Willie Mitchell, Bank Fraud, Phoenix AZ, 2023 · Arizona
- Dr. John Doe Sentenced to 2+ Years for Bribery, O.C. CA, 2024 · New York
- Ex-Chairman John Smith, Ran $250M Securities Fraud Scheme, New York… · New York
- Robert Lee, Lying to Federal Investigators, South Florida, 2023 · New York
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime