Mayo nurse admits stealing pain meds

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — A nurse who pleaded guilty to stealing pain medication from patients at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato has been sentenced to probation and home detention.

The hospital identified 288 possible patients who didn't receive the prescribed medication in 2012. Although, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Englisch says it's impossible to know the exact number of victims affected.

Prosecutors recommended six months in prison for 39-year-old Tess Marie Johnson of Madelia. During a prior plea hearing, Johnson admitted taking oxycodone pills from patients and, in some cases, replacing them with Tylenol.

The Free Press

says Johnson was placed on four years of probation, six months of home detention, which means she can leave her house for work, school, church services, medical appointments and community service.

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