UIHC anesthesiologist accused of stealing dead patient’s fentanyl

Lang
7/8/23

An anesthesiologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has been arrested after authorities say he stole a dead patient’s fentanyl.

37-year-old Dr. Tyson Rowberry of Doe Run Drive in North Liberty was booked into the Johnson County Jail just before 4:30 Saturday morning. UI Police say Rowberry admitted on January 12th to using a syringe to take fentanyl from a deceased patient’s IV bag while he was working in the intensive care unit. He later allegedly injected himself with the fentanyl in the on-call room.

Rowberry also reportedly admitted last December to stealing a vial of Toradol from a medial closet and injecting himself with it…also in the on-call room.

Police say Rowberry does not have a prescription for either drug.

Rowberry faces two charges of Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug. If convicted on both counts, he faces a maximum of two years in jail.