Nurse Charged with Diverting Fentanyl from New Jersey Hospital

David L. Shaeffer, a travel nurse, allegedly obtained fentanyl fraudulently on 143 occasions using his hospital credentials, according to federal prosecutors.

David L. Shaeffer, 35, of St. Petersburg, Florida, has been charged with unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Shaeffer, who was employed as a travel nurse at a New Jersey hospital, allegedly used his position to divert fentanyl from automated medication dispensing systems.

Shaeffer was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite in Tampa federal court, where he was released on a $50,000 bond.

Allegations of Fentanyl Misuse:

Court documents detail that between January 22, 2024, and February 14, 2024, Shaeffer used overrides in the hospital’s dispensing systems to bypass doctor authorization for fentanyl. He allegedly prescribed the drug to patients without authorization and obtained fentanyl in instances where:

• The medication was never administered to the intended patient.
• Fentanyl was improperly disposed of.
• Patients to whom fentanyl was prescribed had already been discharged.

Shaeffer is also accused of engaging in similar practices while employed at hospitals in Florida and Pennsylvania.

Potential Penalties:

The charge carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater.

Federal prosecutors emphasized that the charges are accusations and Shaeffer is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address the misuse and diversion of opioids in healthcare settings. The investigation remains ongoing.