Florida ICU Nurse Arrested in Alleged Fentanyl Theft

Leslie Ann Pope, 54, of Jupiter, an ICU nurse at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie, was arrested October 8, 2026, after police said a family member saw her draw fluid from a critically ill patient's fentanyl IV bag with a syringe, put the syringe in her pocket, and leave. Pope was not assigned to the patient. The next evening she returned and approached the IV equipment; the family member intervened. Surveillance reviewed by detectives showed Pope manipulating protective caps. Investigators said they could not determine whether additional medication was taken then. She faces three felony charges: grand theft of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance. Port St. Lucie detectives and the DEA reviewed hospital video, staff witness accounts, medical charts, and electronic medication-dispensing records. The Port St. Lucie Police Department said it takes allegations of criminal misconduct seriously, particularly when they involve individuals entrusted with the safety and well-being of others, and remains committed to thorough, evidence-based investigations and pursuing accountability when the evidence supports criminal charges. Contested: none identified. Authorities have not said whether other patients were affected or whether the patient suffered harm. Police said the investigation remains open.