Chrisman sentenced to probation for stealing fentanyl

ZANESVILLE - If Matthew Chrisman could go back and change his actions the night he stole fentanyl from a Genesis Hospital patient's room, he would.

Chrisman, a former nurse, told Muskingum County Common Pleas Court on Monday that he became dependent on opiates after he was prescribed some for health issues. He was a practicing nurse for almost 12 years before he committed the theft.

"I need to apologize for bringing a black mark against such a noble profession," Chrisman said.

Chrisman, 44, of Nashport, previously pleaded guilty to theft of a dangerous drug, a fourth-degree felony.

He also apologized to the victim's family. Chrisman said the patient was not physically harmed by his actions, but he failed the family by adding to their grief.

The patient, a 75-year-old man, was dying at the time of the theft and died months later.

"The death of a parent is tragic under the best of circumstances, and you made it even worse," Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill told Chrisman.

Cottrill also said it was easy for Chrisman to say he was sorry.

"But your actions were deplorable," Cottrill said.

Assistant Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch read a letter from the victim's family, including his children, to the court before Chrisman was sentenced, stating that Chrisman was not someone who should be in charge of someone else's care.

Mark Kaido, Chrisman's defense attorney, argued that Chrisman had no felony or misdemeanor record, he has gotten rid of his drug addiction and was an excellent nurse.

According to the Ohio Board of Nursing's online records, Chrisman's nursing license was suspended.

"He has been punished thoroughly," Kaido said.

Cottrill sentenced Chrisman to three years of probation and 90 days in local jail. After he served his jail time, Cottrill ordered that Chrisman be assessed for the Power Court program.

The theft occurred on March 20, 2016, according to court records, and according to Genesis Chrisman's last day of employment was March 24, 2016.

One of the victim's children was visiting him in the hospital and saw Chrisman put items into his bag while he was in the patient's room, Welch previously said in court. The man alerted medical staff, and an IV bag, fentanyl and a full 20oz syringe were discovered in Chrisman's backpack.

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