A registered nurse who worked at a metro-Jackson hospital has surrendered his nursing license and been arrested for embezzling opioids, according to Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director John Dowdy and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux.
Agents arrested Jeremy David Duke, 32, of Mt. Olive, charging him with embezzlement, and processed him Wednesday at the Hinds County Sheriff Department.
“Mr. Duke is suspected of diverting the Schedule II controlled substances Dilaudid and morphine, both of which are very powerful opioids,” said Director Dowdy.
Dilaudid, a brand name for hydromorphone, and morphine are used medically to treat moderate to severe pain and may be used illegally by opioid addicts.
“The arrest of Mr. Duke by DEA and MBN speaks to the seriousness of the growing opioid crisis in this country. No longer will drug dealers, cloaked in lab coats, be able to hide behind the title of claiming to be a medical professional, while pushing this poison into our communities. DEA — along with our other federal, state and local counterparts — will continue to do all we can to address this problem,” said DEA ASAIC Comeaux.
“This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible,” said Director Dowdy.
