Vermont Nurse Faces Felony Drug Diversion Charges - VT

BARRE, VT — A licensed practical nurse has been arraigned on felony drug diversion charges after allegedly stealing powerful controlled substances from patients at a central Vermont hospital over a nine-month period, according to Vermont's Attorney General's Office.

Brittney Roberts, 36, of Barre, also known as Brittney Metivier, was arraigned March 5 on one felony count of fraud or deceit involving a regulated drug, as reported by the Vermont Attorney General. Roberts worked as a licensed practical nurse in the endoscopy unit at the University of Vermont's Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin.

Between January and October 2025, Roberts allegedly fraudulently obtained fentanyl, meperidine, and midazolam—controlled substances intended for medical patients—for her personal use, according to investigators. The case originated from an investigation conducted by the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation and was referred to the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit for prosecution.

Roberts entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Washington Criminal Division, as reported by Northeast Public Radio. Judge Daniel P. Richardson imposed conditions of release including requirements to attend future court hearings, maintain updated contact information with the court and counsel, and submit to fingerprinting with the Vermont State Police.

Under Vermont law, felony drug diversion carries a maximum penalty of two years of incarceration, a fine of up to $5,000, or both, according to the Attorney General's announcement.

Central Vermont Medical Center confirmed it had identified medication diversion by an employee and conducted an internal review of the matter, according to statements reported by MyChamplainValley. "We identified that an employee had diverted medication for personal use," the hospital stated, adding that a "thorough internal review found no evidence that patient care was compromised." The hospital confirmed that Roberts is no longer employed at the facility.

The substances Roberts allegedly diverted include fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid frequently used in medical settings for pain management; meperidine, another synthetic opioid; and midazolam, a benzodiazepine commonly used for sedation during medical procedures. These medications are tightly controlled due to their high potential for abuse and addiction.

Drug diversion in healthcare settings represents a serious breach of patient trust and professional ethics. Federal and state regulations require strict accounting and security measures for controlled substances in medical facilities. Healthcare workers who divert medications not only violate criminal law but also put patients at risk of inadequate pain management or sedation during medical procedures.

The Attorney General's Office emphasized in its announcement that individuals charged with crimes are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit, which is prosecuting the case, receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a federal grant totaling $1,497,780 for fiscal year 2026, with the remaining 25 percent funded by the State of Vermont.

Healthcare facilities are required to implement drug diversion prevention programs that include surveillance systems, regular auditing of controlled substance records, and protocols for investigating suspected diversions. When diversion is suspected or detected, facilities must report to appropriate regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Resources for Families

Anyone who suspects Medicaid fraud or abuse in healthcare settings can report concerns to Vermont's Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit through the Attorney General's website.

For general concerns about care quality or patient rights in healthcare facilities, families can contact the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center at 1-800-677-1116 or visit https://ltcombudsman.org for assistance and guidance.

Vermont residents can also contact the Vermont Office of the Health Care Advocate for help navigating complaints about healthcare providers and facilities.