A New Jersey nurse who stole more than $300,000 worth of surgical equipment and supplies from her employer and resold it online pleaded guilty to the crime in federal court on Tuesday.
Angela DeVarso, 33, of Garfield faces the possibility of 24 to 30 months in prison plus restitution and fines, according to a plea agreement she inked with prosecutors. A formal sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 28.
A former employee of St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, Ms. DeVarso exploited her access to the OR to swipe an autoclavable laparoscope, a surgical camera, blades and "large quantities" of sutures, staples and vials (total value: $302,829.66) between July 2008 and October 2009, say prosecutors. After concealing the goods in a large bag and carrying them out of the facility, she sold them via the Internet to out-of-state buyers, the reason for federal authorities' intervention.
Ms. DeVarso has been released on $100,000 bail pending sentencing. While her plea agreement recommends the above-mentioned guidelines, her sentence is ultimately the decision of the federal judge hearing the case. The maximum penalty for the crime is 10 years' imprisonment, financial restitution and fines of $250,000 or twice the victim's loss, whichever is greater.
"Our client obviously made some terrible choices," said Ms. DeVarso's attorney, Amy Lefkowitz, noting that the missteps were influenced by financial hardship and the illness of her mother. "She is extremely remorseful."
In an e-mail, a spokeswoman for St. Joseph said it "is cooperating with authorities to resolve an alleged crime at the hospital," but declined to provide any additional information.
David Bernard
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