Connecticut Nurse Sentenced for Drug Diversion
A former registered nurse at the Yale New Haven Hospital (YHNN) in Connecticut has been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for tampering with and stealing lorazepam, a medication that’s used for the treatment and management of anxiety.
Sean Falzarano, a 39-year-old nurse with the hospital, had taken a minimum of one vial of lorazepam from a secure storage location, swapped out some of the contents, replaced it with a saline solution, and returned it. However, when hospital staff carried out searches on hospital staff as part of drug tampering investigations within the hospital, the missing items were found in his backpack.
Cases of medication theft and/or tampering among medical professionals are often serious and can have severe consequences. If you’re a nurse or a medical professional and have been accused of similar crimes, your freedom may be threatened, while your professional license may be at risk of being withdrawn or suspended.
Let the dedicated Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm defend your nursing license or other medical license and protect your rights.
Call (888) 535-3686 or complete this online contact form to discuss your case.
Consequences of Medication Theft or Tampering
Stealing medical supplies can have both personal and professional consequences. For example, patients may suffer significant pain, discomfort, or even danger to their wellness if they do not have access to their medication. In extreme cases, the patient’s medical condition may be worsened because they’re not getting the right dosages or medication. This puts them at risk of suffering prolonged medical issues.
As for medical professionals who participate in drug diversion or tampering activities and cause harm to the patients, penalties range from withdrawn or suspended licenses to fines, and/or jail terms. For example, state and federal laws categorize drug theft or tampering as felony crimes.
The punishment for these crimes largely depends on the severity of the medical professional’s actions and their direct or indirect impact on patients meant to benefit from taking the medications. In Fazarano’s case, he’s going to jail, with his sentence commencing on October 21, 2025.
But that’s not all. His license has also been suspended, which means he will not be able to work before he goes to prison or after serving time. If he’s the family’s breadwinner, his inability to work will put them in dire financial straits.
What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of Medication Tampering or Theft
As a nurse or medical professional, allegations of medication diversion can lead to lasting reputational and professional damage. So, regardless of your guilt or innocence, you need to seek legal representation from experienced professional license defense attorneys.
This is particularly important if there’s a real risk of medical or nursing license suspension and unemployment. This is the only effective step to take. Nothing else matters.
Contact an Experienced Professional License Defense Lawyer
The LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team can help you navigate the often complex disciplinary issues associated with drug diversion. We have years of experience defending and fighting to protect the rights of medical professionals across the country.
If you’re facing disciplinary action due to medication theft or tampering, our attorneys can help. We’ll ensure adherence to due process, negotiate fair terms, and fight for you during this difficult period.
Call (888) 535-3686 or complete this contact form to speak to an attorney.