Texas Anesthesiologist Convicted in Federal Court for Tampering with IV Bags

Though most criminal cases where someone is suspected of causing someone else’s death or serious injury are tried in state court, there are circumstances that can trigger a federal prosecution. A shocking case recently resulted in the conviction of an anesthesiologist in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Raynaldo Rivera Ortiz Jr., formerly a doctor at Baylor Scott & White Surgicare in North Dallas, is facing a maximum 190-year sentence after being found guilty of 10 counts associated with the contamination of intravenous medication bags at his workplace. Specifically, Ortiz was convicted of Tampering with Consumer Products Causing Serious Bodily Injury (four counts), Tampering with a Consumer Product (one count) and Intentional Adulteration of Drugs (five counts).

According to federal prosecutors, Ortiz added heart-stopping drugs, such as bupivacaine and epinephrine, into the IV bags. His motive was allegedly tied to frustrations over disciplinary actions and poor performance reviews. Even before the discovery of the tainted medications, an investigation was being conducted that might have resulted in the revocation of his medical license. 

In several cases, surgery patients’ blood pressure rose to dangerous levels without any apparent explanation, even during routine procedures. When an 18-year-old had to be rushed to intensive care following a sinus operation, a lab analysis found evidence of a dangerous drug cocktail in the IV bag that was administered to him. Several similar incidents occurred during operations within a two-month period, usually in long sessions when replacement IV bags were required and never when Dr. Ortiz himself was assigned to the operation. Video taken right before cardiac incidents showed him placing bags in the warmer where they were stored, removing the bags that were there and walking away without anyone noticing. 

His tampering has been linked to the death of Dr. Melanie Kaspar, a fellow anesthesiologist who unknowingly used one of the tainted IV bags to treat her dehydration. She died from what appeared to be a heart attack, but later investigations linked her death directly to the contamination. However, instead of a state prosecution for murder, Dr. Ortiz was charged with breaking federal anti-tampering laws that people frequently associate with the poisoning of consumer products, such as over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. 

Dr. Ortiz is still awaiting sentencing, but Department of Justice guidelines make it very likely that he could spend the rest of his life in prison. If you or someone you love has been charged with a federal crime, it is imperative to retain a defense attorney who has a thorough understanding of the rules, procedures and practices used by U.S. District Courts.   

Kevin L. Collins, P.C. has extensive experience representing Texas clients in federal criminal defense matters. For a consultation regarding your case with a Board-certified attorney, please call +12102239480 or contact us online. Our office is in San Antonio. 

By Kevin L. Collins | Published January 1, 2025 | Posted in Criminal Case | Tagged Anesthesiologist, IV Bags, Tampering