Howell, Michigan – The sentencing of a man linked to a fatal meningitis outbreak that spanned across multiple states was abruptly postponed by a Michigan judge, leaving victims’ families distraught and blindsided.
Barry Cadden, who entered a no-contest plea, was set to receive a minimum 10-year prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter. However, the retirement of the judge who accepted the plea led to a new judge, Matthew McGivney, inheriting the case. As a result, sentencing was delayed until May 10, causing frustration among those prepared to share their statements.
Peggy Nuerenberg, whose mother passed away from a tainted steroid injection, expressed her disappointment at the unexpected turn of events. The confusion surrounding the sentencing process left many feeling disrespected and unprepared.
In addition to the sentencing delay, concerns were raised due to Judge McGivney’s wife working for the state attorney general’s office, which is prosecuting Cadden. Despite questions about potential bias, the judge decided not to recuse himself from the case.
Michigan remains the only state pursuing charges against Cadden for deaths stemming from mold-tainted steroids distributed by the New England Compounding Center. The outbreak affected over 700 individuals across 20 states, resulting in at least 64 deaths.
While Cadden accepted a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter, a key employee at the lab, Glenn Chin, has not reached a similar agreement and faces trial for second-degree murder charges. The sentencing agreement proposed would run concurrently with Cadden’s existing federal prison term, potentially sparing him additional time behind bars.
Families of the victims expressed frustration with the plea deal, believing that Cadden’s actions prioritized greed over human lives. The compounded pharmacy’s manufacturing process, marred by negligence and oversight failures, led to the growth of mold in the medications.
One survivor of the tainted steroids, Ken Borton, continues to experience lasting health issues, including walking difficulties and memory loss. Despite the passage of 12 years since the outbreak, the impact on survivors and victims’ families remains profound, reflecting the lasting damage caused by the tragedy.