A Miami nurse has been sentenced to over two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to tampering with consumer products, specifically fentanyl, while working at a cardiac catheterization lab in a Miami hospital. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced yesterday, that Emmanuel Valentin, 40, misused fentanyl and midazolam by replacing them with saline solution.
From July 10 to August 18, 2023, Valentin, who was later fired, used a syringe to remove the drugs and refill the vials with saline, fully aware that the vials were meant for patient use in procedures like cardiac catheterization and stent placement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also revealed that Valentin took empty drug vials from biohazard waste containers and refilled them, which not only risked ineffective pain management but also posed the potential for transmitting infectious diseases like Hepatitis C.
The hospital took immediate action upon discovering the breach, terminating Valentin's employment and offering patients free blood tests to address potential health concerns. No acute infections have been reported. The investigation, led by FDA-OCI Miami and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, also found that Valentin had previously stolen fentanyl from another Miami hospital in March 2023, adding to the severity of his crimes.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne and Acting Special Agent in Charge Kerry Mannion from the FDA-OCI Miami Field Office highlighted the legal consequences of such actions. AUSA Timothy Abraham handled the case, and related court documents can be accessed through the District Court for the Southern District of Florida's official website.
