Florida ICU Nurse Accused of Stealing Fentanyl from Critically Ill Patient
Police arrested Leslie Ann Pope, 54, on Oct. 8, charging her with multiple felonies related to drug theft.
A Florida ICU nurse has been accused of stealing fentanyl from a critically ill patient’s IV infusion, with police apprehending her after a months-long investigation. Leslie Ann Pope, 54, faces felony charges including grand theft of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance.
The incident reportedly occurred on June 24 at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie. According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, a patient's family witnessed Pope using a syringe to withdraw fluid from the patient's fentanyl IV and then pocketing the syringe.
The following evening, Pope allegedly returned to the patient's room and approached the IV equipment again, but a family member intervened. Investigators reviewed footage showing Pope manipulating protective caps on the IV equipment, though it remains unclear if she successfully removed additional medication during this second attempt.
Police noted that Pope was not assigned to the patient whose IV she allegedly tampered with. When questioned, Pope stated that an "upstream occlusion" alarm prompted her intervention. However, a patient’s significant other, who has a medical background, disputed this claim and questioned Pope’s presence in the room.
Following an internal investigation by the hospital, the Florida Department of Health was notified, which in turn alerted the police. Investigators began their probe in August, and Pope was arrested on October 8 with assistance from the Palm Beach Marshals Task Force.
Pope has denied the allegations. Authorities have not determined the intended use of the stolen medication. She had been employed at the hospital for approximately six months.
Cleveland Clinic issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, confirming that Pope is no longer employed by the hospital and that they are cooperating with law enforcement. The hospital declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation.