A Miami nurse has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for tampering with medical-grade fentanyl intended for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures. Emmanuel Valentin, 40, pleaded guilty to tampering with consumer products, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced Tuesday.
Valentin, a registered nurse in the cardiac catheterization lab at a Miami hospital, used a syringe to extract liquid painkillers, including fentanyl and midazolam, from vials between July 10 and August 18, 2023. He then replaced the stolen medications with saline solution, aware that the altered vials would be used during medical procedures such as stent placements and catheterizations.
Additionally, Valentin retrieved empty vials from a biohazard waste disposal bin, refilled them with saline, and swapped them with stolen vials, further putting patients at risk. The contaminated waste in the bin raised concerns about the potential spread of bloodborne infections, including hepatitis C.
Valentin’s actions not only deprived patients of essential pain relief but also jeopardized their health. Following the discovery of the tampering, the hospital fired Valentin, notified patients, and offered free blood testing. Fortunately, no acute infections were found.
In addition to his federal conviction, Valentin also faces charges in a separate case related to stealing fentanyl from another Miami-area hospital in March 2023.
