Iowa Woman Sentenced After Stealing Fentanyl From Residents
Carrie Garza pleaded guilty to three Class C felony charges of prohibited acts and three aggravated misdemeanor charges of wanton neglect of a resident at a health care facility. Her crime? Stealing pain medications from vulnerable residents at an Iowa nursing home facility.
Reportedly, a woman called the Alverno Health Care Facility in Clinton, Iowa on September 15, 2008, alleging to be a pharmaceutical provider and claimed to have recall information on Fentanyl patches. She requested the names of the residents using the medication.
Shortly after making the call, Garza came to the facility and staff directed her to the rooms of three female residents. Garza removed the patches from the residents and left the facility.
Clinton police received a tip on September 19, 2009 that Garza reportedly had been arrested for similar acts in Rock Falls, Illinois. She was identified in a line up by one of the facility's nurses.
Garza was ordered to serve two years supervised probation. The Court suspended three ten year prison terms and three two year prison terms and suspended the fines on the charges. Garza has already completed a substance abuse program and must pay restitution.
The Terry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at www.nursinghomejustice.com.
