A shocking case of opioid diversion has come to light in Montana, as a former nurse at St. Patrick Hospital was sentenced for stealing controlled substances from the hospital.
Caitlin Ashley Evans, 37, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception and subterfuge. She was sentenced to three years of probation by U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy.
In court documents, the government alleged that in October 2021, a St. Patrick Hospital official reviewed drug distribution data and discovered that Evans was ordering opiates, including oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, at much higher rates and in greater amounts than her peers.
Another nurse also reported suspicious activity by Evans to her supervisor. Hospital administrators spoke with Evans, who admitted to diverting drugs from the hospital while working since the fall of 2020. Evans explained that she had been taking waste amounts of hydromorphone and morphine two to three times a week by exchanging the drugs for saline before disposing of them.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle with opioid addiction and the importance of vigilance in healthcare settings. As Evans’ case shows, even seemingly trusted professionals can abuse their positions for personal gain.
The sentence handed down to Evans is a stark reminder of the consequences of diverting controlled substances. As the nation grapples with the opioid epidemic, it is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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