Ex-Hospital Employee in Ill. Charged With Theft of Fentanyl

Aug. 10--A former employee of Central DuPage Hospital has been charged with stealing narcotics from his workplace, DuPage County prosecutors said Wednesday.

Joshua Agruss, 33, of Huntley, allegedly stole fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, from the hospital in Winfield by telling emergency department nurses that he needed the drugs to resupply paramedics who had used fentanyl on patients, prosecutors said.

The incidents happened on multiple occasion in December 2014, when Agruss was employed at the hospital as its emergency medical services continuing education specialist, according to prosecutors. On one occasion, authorities said, he acquired 400 micrograms of the drug to resupply a paramedic who had only dispensed 200 micrograms.

Agruss faces 10 felony counts of unauthorized acquisition of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and burglary.

He was indicted by a grand jury on July 28, and on that day Winfield police issued a warrant for his arrest. Agruss turned himself in on Aug. 6, and posted bond. His next court date is Sept. 6

State's Attorney Robert Berlin credited CDH for its help in the investigation, along with Winfield police.

"This case is a textbook example of law enforcement and other entities working together toward a common goal," Berlin said.

Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.

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