A New England hospice nurse is facing serious federal charges after allegedly tampering with a dementia patient’s pain medication, replacing prescribed oxycodone with a household cleaning solution.
According to court records, 65-year-old Lori Robertson, a nurse at a long-term care facility in Amesbury, Massachusetts, was indicted last week on one count of tampering with a consumer product. She appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Alleged Incident
Federal prosecutors say the incident took place earlier this year, during the spring months, while Robertson was employed at the facility. According to the charging documents, she is accused of using a syringe to extract liquid oxycodone from a bottle prescribed to a nonverbal hospice patient suffering from dementia. Investigators allege that Robertson then replaced the controlled substance with a household cleaner.
The federal complaint describes Robertson’s actions as being carried out “with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death and bodily injury,” and “under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk.”
Authorities have not disclosed how the alleged tampering was discovered, whether the contaminated medication was administered to the patient, or what specific cleaning product was used. Officials have also not released details about the patient’s condition following the incident.
Court Proceedings and Restrictions
Following her arrest, Robertson was released from custody under strict conditions. She has been ordered to avoid contact with any victims or potential witnesses and must refrain from using alcohol or illegal drugs. The court also required her to undergo regular drug testing and participate in a substance abuse treatment program.
If convicted, Robertson faces up to ten years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, according to The Boston Herald.
Reaction and Investigation
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the local medical community, particularly among hospice care professionals who work with some of society’s most vulnerable patients. Tampering with medication not only violates federal law but also undermines the trust that patients and families place in caregivers responsible for end-of-life care.
Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts have not commented on whether the investigation might expand to include other patients or staff members. The long-term care facility where Robertson worked has not been publicly named, and it remains unclear whether she has been terminated or placed on administrative leave.
What Comes Next
Robertson’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 24. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence at that time, and defense counsel will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
For now, the case stands as a disturbing reminder of the crucial responsibility borne by those entrusted with caring for patients who can no longer advocate for themselves. If the allegations are proven true, Robertson’s actions could represent not only a grave legal violation but also a profound breach of medical ethics and human decency.
As the investigation continues, families and advocates across Massachusetts are calling for tighter safeguards in long-term care facilities to ensure that such an incident can never happen again.