AMESBURY, MA – A 65-year-old hospice nurse is facing federal charges after allegedly using a syringe to remove liquid oxycodone from a patient’s prescription bottle and replacing it with household cleaner, putting the vulnerable patient’s life at risk.
Lori Robertson, who worked at a long-term care facility in Amesbury, pleaded not guilty this week to one federal count of tampering with a consumer product. The charge stems from an incident that occurred during the spring at the hospice where she was employed as a caregiver.
Federal prosecutors allege Robertson used a syringe to extract the liquid pain medication from a prescription bottle belonging to a non-verbal dementia patient under her care. She then allegedly filled the bottle with cleaning solution before returning it to the patient’s medication supply.
The charging documents state Robertson acted “with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death and bodily injury.” Court filings do not specify whether the contaminated medication was actually administered to the patient or how authorities discovered the tampering.
Robertson appeared in federal court last week, where she entered a not guilty plea through her attorney. A federal magistrate ordered her released from custody pending trial but imposed strict conditions on her freedom.
The conditions of her release include prohibitions on contacting victims or witnesses in the case, consuming alcohol or illegal drugs, and submitting to regular drug testing. She must also participate in substance abuse treatment as directed by pretrial services officers.
If convicted on the tampering charge, Robertson faces up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She could also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $250,000, according to federal sentencing guidelines for the offense.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about medication theft and tampering in healthcare facilities, particularly those caring for elderly and vulnerable patients who may be unable to report suspicious activity. Federal law enforcement has made prosecuting such cases a priority in recent years.
Robertson is scheduled to return to federal court on November 24 for a status hearing, where prosecutors and defense attorneys will update the judge on plea negotiations or trial preparation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not indicated whether additional charges might be filed.
The long-term care facility where Robertson worked has not been publicly identified, and officials there have declined to comment on the case. It’s unclear whether Robertson remains employed at the facility or has had her nursing license suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case.
