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.

Tidings Data Snapshot

Asante drug diversion case / key numbers
44Felony Assault II counts in Jackson County
7 monthsLength of MPD investigation cited in release
~100Interviews cited by MPD in public update
16Deaths among 44 patients cited in reporting
$488M+Total damages sought across suits cited in reporting

Source: Jackson County DA and Medford Police releases (June 2024) plus OPB reporting on civil filings (Nov 2024)DailyTidings.com

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:

DateAgencyMilestone described
Early Dec 2023Medford PoliceAsante contacted MPD about rising ICU central line infection cases
June 12 2024Jackson County DAGrand jury returned indictment on 44 Assault II counts
June 13 2024Medford PoliceMPD arrested Dani Marie Schofield after lengthy investigation
June 14 2024Jackson County DADA 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.

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