FRESNO, Calif. — Former Fresno nurse Melissa Galvani was sentenced Thursday to 180 days in custody and two years of probation after pleading guilty to stealing fentanyl from her employer in 2019. The judge allowed Galvani to split her jail time, serving 90 days behind bars and 90 days completing an adult offender work program.
Galvani’s attorney, Jack Revvill, sought to avoid jail time, describing her as a changed woman who had worked hard to overcome addiction rooted in earlier life struggles.
Galvani was discovered stealing fentanyl during a routine controlled substance count at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Medical Center in Northeast Fresno. She admitted to using fentanyl intended for patients and injecting herself with leftover doses.
Her attorney explained in court that Galvani recognized her addiction and has been battling it emotionally. She has made efforts to recover, enrolling in a three-year rehabilitation program that included daily AA meetings, counseling, and frequent drug testing during the first two years.
Galvani’s nursing license has been suspended. She currently works full-time at the Poverello House. Additionally, she faces similar charges related to fentanyl theft from an employer in Madera County, with sentencing in that case delayed.
The court’s decision reflects both the seriousness of the offense and Galvani’s commitment to recovery.
