A former nurse at Confluence Health Clinic in Moses Lake, Washington, has pleaded guilty to tampering with morphine medication, putting patients at risk of excruciating pain and even life-threatening situations.
Esther Rae Tuller, 40, of Moses Lake, Washington, pleaded guilty to tampering with morphine medication while working as a registered nurse at Confluence Health Clinic in Moses Lake.
Court documents reveal that between August 2019 and April 2020, Tuller used syringes to remove morphine from at least 17 vials, ingesting the medication as part of her own opioid addiction. She then replaced the morphine with a saline solution and attempted to glue the caps back onto the vials to make them appear intact.
One patient who was prescribed morphine had to be rushed to the emergency room after receiving only saline from what was supposed to be morphine vials.
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref emphasized that part of her mission to ensure a safe and strong community in Eastern Washington includes addressing the opioid epidemic in all of its forms.
The drug tampering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of court supervision after release.
A sentencing hearing for Tuller has been scheduled for March 17, 2022.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Drug Trafficking|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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