Michigan nurse admits to tampering with fentanyl vials

MICHIGAN — A registered nurse from Grosse Pointe Park has pleaded guilty to tampering with vials of fentanyl intended for hospital patients, federal officials announced Thursday.

Travis Eskridge, 53, admitted to removing fentanyl from vials in the emergency room at Ascension St. John Hospital, replacing the powerful narcotic with another liquid, and returning the altered vials to the hospital’s locked drug storage system.

Eskridge also admitted to stealing fentanyl as part of an ongoing pattern of thefts over several months. He was removed from his position in August 2022 when the hospital discovered the tampering.

“Licensed medical professionals are supposed to be healers. Most are. When instead of healing they create a serious risk of harm to patients, the community must and will be protected. This Office will prosecute such cases to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.

“Patients rely on receiving the proper FDA-approved medications from those entrusted with their medical care,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations.

“We must hold medical personnel accountable when they take advantage of their unique position and tamper with medications their patients need.”

Eskridge pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Susan K. DeClercq. His bond was continued under conditions including a restriction on seeking further employment as a nurse. Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2025.

The offense carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by special agents from the Food and Drug Administration.