LANSING (WWJ) -- A 42-year-old registered nurse had her licensed revoked and has been charged with second-degree murder and possession after a 3-year-old girl died in her care while the healthcare worker was under the influence of methamphetamines.
The Michigan Attorney General's Office alleges that on June 20, 2022, Judith Maria Sobol, now a former R.N., arrived for her scheduled overnight shift providing care for ventilator dependent child while on drugs.
Early the next morning, the young girl's parents discovered their daughter unresponsive and her trachea tube disconnected. Sobol was said to be incoherent at the time.
Parents and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the child but were unsuccessful.
According to Coloma Township police officers, Sobol later admitted that she had injected methamphetamines earlier that day before going to work. Two pipes and a small container of crystal meth were found in Sobol's purse.
Sobol has since been charged with second-degree murder by the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office. If convicted, Sobol faces life in prison. She was also charged with one count of possession of methamphetamines/ecstasy, for which she could serve up to 10 years.
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Now, Sobol has been stripped of her professional credentials as well.
In Nov. 2022, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) issued an administrative complaint against Sobol, alleging that her conduct violated the public health code and also constituted a violation of general duty, incompetence, lack of good moral character and personal disqualifications affecting her ability to practice in a safe and competent manner. At that time, license was suspended.
Sobol failed to respond to the administrative complaint, resulting in the complete loss of her nursing license and a $150,000 fine.
“Every day Michiganders put their lives in the hands of health care professionals, and they are entitled to safe and responsible care,” said LARA Director Orlene Hawks. Hawks also stated that LARA is appreciative of the AG and the Michigan Board of Nursing for ensuring that Sobol is held accountable for this tragedy.
"Sobol’s actions are an egregious violation of the public trust, and pose an imminent threat to the public’s health, safety and welfare," Michigan AG Dana Nessel said in a Friday press release. "I appreciate LARA and the Michigan Board of Nursing’s swift and decisive action on this matter."
Sobol's bond was set at $500,000, and she is currently in custody in the Berrien County Jail. A jury trial for the homicide and possession charges is scheduled to begin Feb. 21 in Berrien County Trial Court.
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