Two More Sue Asante and Nurse for Millions in Fentanyl Diversion Case
MEDFORD, Ore. — Following the 21 plaintiffs who launched lawsuits seeking $348 Million, two new lawsuits against Asante and Dani Marie Schofield, their former nurse accused of diverting fentanyl and replacing it with tap water, were filed on Thursday.
Source: Jackson County DA and Medford Police releases (June 2024) plus OPB reporting on civil filings (Nov 2024)
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Asante Fentanyl Diversion Civil Lawsuits Increase
In the ongoing lawsuit against Asante and Schofield- who has been criminally charged, the plaintiffs requested the Jackson County Circuit Court Judge to recuse himself in January. On April 10 and 11, respectively, two more plaintiffs filed lawsuits:
| Date | Agency | Milestone described |
|---|---|---|
| Early Dec 2023 | Medford Police | Asante contacted MPD about rising ICU central line infection cases |
| June 12 2024 | Jackson County DA | Grand jury returned indictment on 44 Assault II counts |
| June 13 2024 | Medford Police | MPD arrested Dani Marie Schofield after lengthy investigation |
| June 14 2024 | Jackson County DA | DA listed arraignment time and said no further facts during pending case |
Benjamin Callesen, a man who claimed to have caught an infection after being in the care of Schofield at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (RRMC), said he arrived at RRMC on April 13, 2023, for an appendectomy.
After the operation- on April 18, he returned with pain that was confirmed to be an infection caused by a waterborne bacteria that can be found in tap water.
The filings indicate Schofield was regularly present around Callesen while he was sedated.
Callesen was hospitalized for four days and treated with antibiotics and claims negligence on the part of Asante and negligence and abuse of a vulnerable person against Schofield. He has claimed damages of $7.2 million: $7 million for pain and suffering and $200,000 as estimated compensation for medical expenses.
Patrick Bartlett, representing the estate of deceased family member Robin Bartlett, says that the deceased Bartlett arrived at RRMC on May 21, 2023, and received fentanyl and other drugs from Schofield while in the intensive care unit after being intubated and sedated.
She died the following day, and the lawsuit claims she displayed clear signs of infection. $7.1 million has been claimed, with $7 million for the pain and suffering of Bartlett and $88,430.02 in respect of her medical bill.
The lawsuit is a negligence-survival or, alternatively, a wrongful death claim against Asante and negligence and abuse of a vulnerable person against Schofield.
Andersen & Linthorst, P.C. represent both plaintiffs.