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March 17, 2009 · An Air Force nurse has been charged in the deaths of three terminally ill patients at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Captain Michael Fontana allegedly administered lethal doses of medication to three patients. David Smith is a spokesman for the Air Force.
“Captain Michael Fontana – a nurse assigned here at Wilford Hall Medical Center – has been charged with three counts of violating Article 118 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice involving the deaths of terminally ill patients due to the deliberate administration of lethal amounts of medication,” said Smith.
Fontana, a registered nurse who worked in the intensive care unit, is also charged with falsifying a medical document in one of those cases. The incidents took place between July and August of last year and have been under investigation. Formal charges were filed on Monday.
“In the military justice system – an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The next step in the process is to hold an investigatory hearing,” said Smith.
That hearing, called an Article 32, is similar to a grand jury investigation. Officials could then decide to proceed with a Court Martial. Fontana is not considered a flight risk by the Air Force and has been released on his recognizance. He is still working at the hospital in an administrative position. Fontana entered the Air Force in 2006 and was assigned to Wilford Hall. He has also worked at the Combat Hospital at Balad Air Base in Iraq.
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