Diverted Fentanyl, DEA involved- has anyone ever been through this?

Published

Specializes in ER / ICU.

I diverted one vial of Fentanyl, was caught, and am in my state's diversion program currently. When this all happened, I was contacted by my state's DCI, but I had already retained a criminal defense attorney, along with an attorney to represent me in front of the BON. He was advised that the DEA was looking at charges, and we haven't heard anything since, but I imagine that this will amount to a federal charge since Fentanyl is a hot button issue with the DEA. My question is: Has anyone ever gone through this? What might I expect? I have no criminal history up to this point, am middle aged, and was a respected Critical Care RN in a surreally busy Covid unit until I lost my mind. I have admitted from the beginning what I did, and it seems that anyone that I know that was accused of diversion denied involvement. Believe me, there's nothing that can be said to me that I haven't already thought or experienced. I just want to know if I am going to go to federal prison, if anyone has. (I watched Orange is the New Black too!)

Thank you to anyone that answers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in general.

hey girl! I did not have federal charges but I did have state felony charges and ended up with probation - just listen to your lawyer. I know how scared you are. Just keep doing the next right thing and I suspect you will be OK.  Sending lots of hugs.  I would not wish that fear and worry on anyone.  -Lady

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology.

OP change your name to a pseudonym.

 

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

OP - am echoing PP's post to select another anonymous screen name. Everybody  & anybody reads this site. No need to broadcast yourself to those who really have NO need to know, or just don't understand.

And welcome to AN even in this situation. You'll have the support of many here.

Good luck.

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

Definitely change your screen name to a pseudonym. Listen to your lawyer, don't bring details here, and don't talk to anyone that tries to get information. 

Welcome to AN. You definitely have support here. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER / ICU.

Thanks everyone. It is a pseudonym, but I changed to something completely begnign.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

You’re not going to jail. Was it only 1 vile? If charges are brought you’ll definitely need a lawyer to attempt to get the charges dismissed especially if you’re in a rehab/monitoring program. The issue with Federal charges is the possibility of loosing the ability to work at a facility there accepts Medicaid/Medicare. It basically prevents you from working anywhere. 
May I ask what State are you in? Do not talk to co-workers, the state investigator will be talking to everyone that worked that night. It’s sad but unfortunately most will turn their back on you or throw you under the bus especially the hospital.

you will get through this I promise. There’s lots of love and support on here!

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER / ICU.
21 hours ago, AbbeyR said:

You’re not going to jail. Was it only 1 vile? If charges are brought you’ll definitely need a lawyer to attempt to get the charges dismissed especially if you’re in a rehab/monitoring program. The issue with Federal charges is the possibility of loosing the ability to work at a facility there accepts Medicaid/Medicare. It basically prevents you from working anywhere. 
May I ask what State are you in? Do not talk to co-workers, the state investigator will be talking to everyone that worked that night. It’s sad but unfortunately most will turn their back on you or throw you under the bus especially the hospital.

you will get through this I promise. There’s lots of love and support on here!

 Yes, just one vial. And ugh, the consequences just get better and better ? I haven't talked to anyone except those bound by confidentiality, nor will I. Thanks for the response!

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

What State are you in? If you don’t want to disclose I completely understand. Im in MI and usually you see state or federal charges if it’s large quantities of controlled substances being diverted. But just to the south in OH they will try to throw the book at you for it. Every State is different. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

It’s sad but unfortunately most will turn their back on you or throw you under the bus especially the hospital.

If that does happen, it is in my opinion a much worse offense than the one you’ve allegedly committed. 

5
Up Vote Up Vote ×

It just should be a reminder that you are not friends with co-worker, but just that. I was accused of diversion, and literally 2 nurses reached out to me after I’d been working there almost 5 years. My charges were dismissed and I’ll never befriend a co-worker again for the rest of my career 

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
16 hours ago, AbbeyR said:

It just should be a reminder that you are not friends with co-worker, but just that. I was accused of diversion, and literally 2 nurses reached out to me after I’d been working there almost 5 years. My charges were dismissed and I’ll never befriend a co-worker again for the rest of my career 

That breaks my heart. I know you're going to do what is right for you and I don't blame you at all. At the same time, how sad that nurses don't support each other more than this. I wish they had treated you with more kindness.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion