March 22, 2010: Obstetrics Manager Convicted of Tampering with Patient's Narcotics Medicines at White Salmon Hospital

OBSTETRICS MANAGER CONVICTED OF TAMPERING WITH PATIENT'S NARCOTICS MEDICINES AT WHITE SALMON HOSPITAL

   Yakima – James A. McDevitt, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Lynn Ellen Schneider, age 56, of White Salmon, was found guilty of tampering with consumer products in violation of Federal law. The jury returned its verdict on Friday, March 19, 2010. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled on June 29, 2010, in Yakima, Washington.

    Lynn Ellen Schneider, a registered nurse, was the Obstetrics Manager at Skyline Hospital in White Salmon, Washington. The indictment alleged that during December of 2007, she tampered with Morphine and Fentanyl carpujets. The indictment further alleged that she inserted needles into the carpujets and removed the Morphine and Fentanyl, replacing these drugs with unknown substances. Morphine and Fentanyl are prescription pain medications. Carpujets are prefilled cartridges containing these medicines.

    James A. McDevitt, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “The safety of the medicine we use is paramount. When we receive medical treatment, we all have a right to expect the drugs we are given are safe and effective. Tampering with narcotic medications destined for women giving birth poses a risk to both mother and child.”

    A conviction for tampering with consumer products carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of court supervision after release and restitution.

    This investigation was conducted by the Office of Criminal Investigations for the Food and Drug Administration and the Washington State Department of Health. This case is being prosecuted by Alex Ekstrom, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 08-CR-2040-RHW