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A grand jury on Friday, Aug. 2 indicted a former chief flight nurse who worked aboard the county’s Trauma Star life-flight helicopter until her colleages reported missing narcotics and altered inventory logs. A subsequent audit revealed more than 600 missing vials of Fentanyl and other narcotics.
Lynda J. Rusinowski, the former chief flight nurse for Monroe County Fire Rescue, was indicted Aug. 2 on 14 felony counts of grand theft of controlled substances and 22 counts of official misconduct, according to a report from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office, which empaneled the grand jury for this case.
“Rusinowski is accused of illegally obtaining and using potent medical-grade narcotics, including Fentanyl, Dilaudid, Versed, Ketamine and Morphine, from Monroe County Fire Rescue. Additionally, she is alleged to have falsified official records to conceal these thefts, marking a serious breach of public trust,” the report states.
The investigation began in 2022, when Monroe County Fire Rescue reported discrepancies in their controlled substance logs. Officials discovered that approximately 16 prefilled morphine syringes were missing. On June 24, 2022, an incident revealed a discrepancy in the morphine inventory following a transfer to the Trauma Star controlled substance storage locker. Further investigation and a subsequent audit by the Monroe County Clerk’s office uncovered many false entries in the various controlled substance logs to cover up the thefts.
On July 25, 2022, Rusinowski was confronted by members of Monroe County Fire Rescue with the discrepancies and admitted she was responsible and asked for help. She was then driven to a detox center in West Palm Beach by MCFR Capt. Andrea Thompson. Less than two months later, on Sept. 6, 2022, Rusinowski was arrested on charges related to the theft of the morphine syringes and falsification of the controlled substance logs. This week’s indictment is related to the original investigation and audit as well as additional evidence discovered that brought to light a significant abuse of her position and trust, the state attorney’s report states.
“The theft of highly potent medical-grade narcotics is a grave offense that endangers lives and undermines the integrity of our public institutions. This case represents a significant breach of public trust, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward, adding that the State Attorney’s Office is prepared to present its case in court, ensuring that justice is pursued diligently.
If convicted, Rusinowski faces significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.