Adventist Hospital nurse busted holding heroin

While this didn’t take place on the grounds of this outer East Portland hospital, it appears as if this RN is facing serious drug-related charges …

A registered nurse whom officials say works here, in the Mill Park neighborhood at Adventist Medical Center, was caught with more than three ounces of heroin in her purse.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon, 59-year-old Rene Elene Griffin Nunn of Vancouver, Washington, made an initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo, on a drug possession charge, on November 29.

A one-count indictment alleges that Nunn conspired to possess, with intent to distribute controlled substances. It’s described by court documents as being the result of a year-long investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The indictment also alleges that, between September of 2017 and January of 2018, Nunn communicated with others about prices and quantities of methamphetamine and heroin. In February 2018, it says, Nunn drove from Vancouver to Portland with approximately 93 grams of heroin in her purse.

However, according to Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) records, Nunn wasn’t booked into the facility until November 28, at 2:53 p.m.

Nunn was released pending trial; a three-day jury trial is scheduled for January 29, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez.

While officially innocent until proven guilty, if 59-year-old Rene Elene Griffin Nunn were to be convicted, she could face decades in prison, and a steep fine. MCDC booking photo

If she were to be convicted, Nunn would face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and a mandatory minimum three-year term of supervised release.

It was revealed at the hearing that Nunn is a registered nurse employed at Adventist Medical Center in Portland.

Asked to comment, an Adventist Medical Center official responded to media in a statement reading:

“The safety of our patients always remains our highest priority. While the issues pertaining to this situation are under investigation, the employee has been placed on leave.”

Comments are closed.