CVMC Nurse Charged with Drug Diversion - Vermont

BERLIN, VERMONT — A licensed practical nurse formerly employed at Central Vermont Medical Center has been charged with felony drug diversion after allegedly taking controlled substances intended for patients over a 10-month period, according to the Vermont Attorney General's Office.

Brittney Roberts, 36, of Barre, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of fraud or deceit involving a regulated drug during her arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Washington Criminal Division. Judge Daniel P. Richardson presided over the hearing, and Roberts was released on conditions requiring her to attend future court hearings and complete fingerprinting with Vermont State Police.

According to the Attorney General's announcement, 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, she allegedly fraudulently obtained fentanyl, meperidine, and midazolam that were meant for patient care. Meperidine is a synthetic opioid pain medication, while midazolam is a benzodiazepine sedative commonly used in medical procedures. The investigation was conducted by the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation and subsequently referred to the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit for prosecution.

Central Vermont Medical Center confirmed that Roberts is no longer employed at the facility, as reported by multiple news outlets. Hospital officials stated that an internal review was conducted and found no evidence that patient care was compromised during the period in question. The hospital has not released additional details about the internal investigation or the circumstances surrounding Roberts' departure.

The felony charge carries significant legal consequences. According to Vermont law, fraud or deceit involving a regulated drug is punishable by a maximum sentence of two years and one day in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both penalties. The case highlights ongoing concerns about drug diversion in healthcare settings, where medical professionals with access to controlled substances may unlawfully obtain medications for personal use.

Drug diversion in medical facilities poses serious risks to patient safety and care quality. Federal and state regulations require healthcare institutions to maintain strict protocols for controlled substance management, including documentation of medication administration, secure storage systems, and monitoring of access to pharmaceutical supplies. When healthcare workers divert medications intended for patients, it can result in inadequate pain management or sedation for those under their care.

The Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation, which oversees licensing for healthcare professionals in the state, initiated the investigation that led to the criminal charges. Professional licensing boards have authority to investigate allegations of misconduct and can impose disciplinary actions including license suspension or revocation, separate from any criminal proceedings.

Patient Safety and Reporting

Healthcare facilities are required to report suspected drug diversion to appropriate regulatory authorities. The investigation and prosecution of such cases involve coordination between state licensing agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutorial offices. Vermont's system involves the Attorney General's specialized Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit, which handles cases involving healthcare fraud and patient safety violations.

Patients who received care in the endoscopy unit at Central Vermont Medical Center during the timeframe in question may have concerns about their treatment. While hospital officials reported that their internal review found no evidence of compromised patient care, individuals with questions about their medical treatment should contact the hospital directly or consult with their personal physicians.

Resources for Families

Families with concerns about the quality of care at healthcare facilities or suspected misconduct by medical professionals have several reporting options. The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides advocacy services and can be reached at 1-800-677-1116. Additional information is available at https://ltcombudsman.org.

The Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation accepts complaints about licensed healthcare professionals and investigates allegations of misconduct. Patients and families who believe they have experienced substandard care or witnessed inappropriate behavior by medical staff should document their concerns and report them to the appropriate regulatory authorities.

The case against Roberts remains pending in Vermont Superior Court. As with all criminal proceedings, she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution will need to present evidence demonstrating that she fraudulently obtained controlled substances for personal use rather than administering them to patients as prescribed and documented.