A Lakeland nurse has been sentenced to over five years in prison after pleading guilty to tampering with and stealing fentanyl from hospitals across the Tampa Bay area. Eric Brewer, a 30-year-old Florida-licensed registered nurse, received a sentence of five years and three months from U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday, as reported in a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office.
Court documents reveal that between June 2 and September 12, 2023, Brewer repeatedly stole fentanyl by tampering with containers, at times diluting them with another substance, and used the drug for his own consumption, acting with reckless disregard for patients. In a disturbing pattern of theft, he was caught redirecting fentanyl into a Styrofoam cup for personal use and even injecting himself in the hospital restroom, leading to his stumbling and slurred speech which ultimately alerted the hospital staff to his actions.
The case against Brewer was brought to light after he offered to change a fentanyl IV drip bag for another nurse, without being assigned to any patients receiving the narcotic. His behavior post administration and evidence found in the restroom led to an inspection that concluded approximately 50% of the fentanyl had been replaced with saline. Brewer's offer to help, his subsequent refusal for a drug test, and the ensuing investigation resulted in his dismissal from the hospital.
Brewer's illegal activities were rigorously investigated by the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo leading the prosecution.
