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ZANESVILLE – A former nurse at Genesis Hospital pleaded guilty this week to stealing fentanyl from a patient’s room in 2016.
Matthew Chrisman, 44, of Nashport, pleaded guilty in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court to theft of a dangerous drug, a fourth-degree felony. He faces up to 18 months in prison.
Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill denied a motion for Chrisman to receive treatment in lieu of conviction.
The theft occurred on March 20, 2016, according to court records, and according to Genesis, Chrisman’s last day of employment was March 24, 2016.
A man was visiting his father in the hospital and saw Chrisman put items into his bag while he was in the patient’s room, Assistant Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch said in court. The man alerted medical staff, and an IV bag, fentanyl and a full 20oz syringe were discovered in Chrisman’s backpack.
Genesis officials commented on the incident only to say that administrators “have cooperated with all involved authorities in their investigation and management of this situation.”
Pete Hamilton, director of Pharmaceutical Services at Genesis HealthCare System, said Genesis has a surveillance system in place to prevent theft of controlled substances, and all new nursing staff receive education regarding the potential for drug theft.
After the incident involving Chrisman, Hamilton said the policies in place were reinforced and staff was reeducated.
Chrisman’s defense attorney Mark Kaido said in court there was an ongoing investigation into Chrisman’s actions by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
According to the board’s online records, Chrisman’s nursing license expired on Oct. 31 and is currently inactive.
Chrisman’s sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.