Health-System Pharmacist Arrested for Stealing Morphine

A pharmacist in Hoboken, New Jersey, was arrested for allegedly stealing morphine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone from his employer, Hoboken University Medical Center, according to NJ.com.

Jonathan Kakowski, 28, was charged with tampering and theft of movable property for allegedly stealing vials of the drugs. Detectives also reported that Kakowski had used a syringe to extract the drugs from the hospital 177 times for his own use. However, the detectives said they are not sure yet if he had used the drugs while on hospital grounds.

A spokesperson for the hospital said it had conducted an investigation and was not aware of any harm to patients as a result of Kakowski’s alleged actions.

“We have taken all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our patients and our employees, and we continue to review the situation and cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities,” said Jarrod Bernstein, communications director for CarePoint Health, in a statement.

Kakowski has been suspended from work while authorities continue to investigate, NJ.com reported.

The pharmacist, who was released from jail after posting $25,000 bail, could face 5 to 10 years in prison.