The Monroe County state grand jury has returned an indictment against for Trauma Star Chief Flight Nurse Lynda J. Rusinowski on 36 charges stemming from the theft of drugs from the air ambulance system.
The indictment includes 10 counts of grand theft of controlled substances and 26 counts of official misconduct. Rusinowski is accused of illegally obtaining and using potent medical-grade narcotics, including fentanyl, dilaudid, Versed, ketamine and morphine, from Monroe County Fire Rescue, according to a news release issued Friday, Aug. 2, by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. Additionally, she is alleged to have falsified official records to conceal these thefts, marking a serious breach of public trust, prosecutors said.
The investigation began when Monroe County Fire Rescue reported discrepancies in its controlled substance logs. Officials discovered that approximately 16 pre-filled morphine syringes were missing. On June 24, 2022, an investigation revealed a discrepancy in the morphine inventory following a transfer to the Trauma Star controlled substance storage locker. Further investigation uncovered that there were many false entries made in the various controlled substance logs to cover up the thefts.
On July 25, 2022, Rusinowski was confronted by members of Monroe County Fire Rescue with the discrepancies; she admitted she was responsible and asked for drug treatment. Rusinowski was taken to a detox center in West Palm Beach by MCFR Capt. Andrea Thompson, according to the State Attorney’s Office news release.
On Sept. 6, 2022, deputies arrested Rusinowski on charges related to the theft of the morphine syringes and falsification of the controlled substance logs. This new indictment is related to the original investigation, as well as additional evidence discovered that brought to light a significant abuse of her position and trust, prosecutors said.
“The theft of highly potent, medical-grade narcotics is a grave offense that endangers lives and undermines the integrity of our public institutions,” State Attorney Dennis Ward said. “This case represents a significant breach of public trust, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served,”
The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office is prepared to present its case in court, ensuring that justice is pursued diligently, Ward said.
If convicted, Rusinowski faces significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines, according to prosecutors. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office remains dedicated to maintaining transparency and integrity within public institutions and will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served, Ward said.
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