Jago Times "English Edition" Best Online Newspaper
Related Articles
Jury selection is set to commence on Monday for the federal trial of Dr. Raynaldo Ortiz Ortiz, an anesthesiologist accused of tampering with IV bags at a North Dallas surgery center.
Dr. Ortiz was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2022, facing ten counts related to tampering with consumer products and adulteration of drugs.
The charges stem from allegations that Dr. Ortiz spiked IV bags at Baylor Scott and White Surgicare North Dallas, resulting in severe complications for ten patients and the death of Dr. Melanie Kaspar, a fellow doctor who had taken an IV bag home for rehydration.
Initially believed to have died from a heart attack, Dr. Kaspar’s cause of death was later determined by the Dallas County Medical Examiner to be the toxic effects of bupivacaine, a pain-relieving drug used during surgery.
Maintaining his innocence, Dr. Ortiz has pleaded not guilty and has been appointed a public defender.
During past hearings, prosecutors presented surveillance footage allegedly showing Dr. Ortiz placing IVs in a warmer outside the operating room just before patients experienced serious complications.
Prosecutors have asserted that Dr. Ortiz’s actions were retaliatory following disciplinary action by hospital supervisors for an alleged mistake.
Dr. Ortiz has been in federal custody since his arrest, and his medical license has been suspended by the Texas Medical Board.
Once a jury is selected, opening statements will commence in the trial.