Minnesota nurse charged in unauthorized flu shot clinic fraud
Compliance Monitor, April 20, 2005
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Federal authorities have charged a Minnesota nurse with conducting illegal flu shot clinics, diluting the shots, and pocketing the money she raised, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported April 14.
Michelle Torgerson, 33, of Albertville was indicted on three counts of mail fraud, one count of adulteration of a drug, and one count of dispensing drugs without a prescription, the Press reported.
According to reports, Torgerson conducted unauthorized flu shot clinics during fall 2004 at Augsburg (MN) College. She allegedly conducted her clinics--which she said were held for charity--at the conclusion of approved meningitis clinics presented by her employer, Maxim Healthcare Services.
Torgerson previously denied that she diluted the vaccine and that the clinics were unauthorized, the Press reported. She is scheduled to go on trial June 27. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 for each count of mail fraud, as well as up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for each of the other counts. Togerson is currently free on a $25,000 bond, the Press reported.
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