Former Putnam County EMT Pleads Guilty to Stealing Controlled Substances

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Putnam County man pled guilty today to stealing fentanyl and morphine, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kelly Keene, 49, entered a guilty plea to obtaining controlled substances by fraud and deception.

“Narcotics housed in EMT trucks are there for a purpose – to treat victims of trauma or acute illness while they are being transported to a medical facility,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Keene abused his position to steal fentanyl and morphine – narcotics needed for critical care – for his own use. It is unconscionable conduct by any measure.”

Keene admitted that while he was employed as a Putnam County Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in May 2019 he took vials of fentanyl and morphine from the narcotics safes located on the EMS trucks. He admitted to taking the controlled substances when he was not authorized to do so. He further admitted to stealing these substances for his own use.   

Keene faces up to four years in prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2020.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.  

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00135.

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