Former Wausau Fire EMS Chief Accused of Stealing Hundreds of Painkiller Vials Pleads Not Guilty
WAUSAU, WISCONSIN — The former EMS division chief for the Wausau Fire Department pleaded not guilty Friday after investigators say more than 1,000 vials of potent pain medications went missing while he was responsible for ordering and handling the drugs.
Prosecutors Say Hundreds of Fentanyl and Hydromorphone Vials Disappeared
According to charging documents, 46-year-old Jared Thompson oversaw all controlled substance ordering for the department — including fentanyl and hydromorphone used during severe medical emergencies. Between January 2024 and June 2025, investigators say an alarming number of vials vanished.
Court records outline the scale of the alleged diversion:
- 486 vials of hydromorphone unaccounted for
- 612 vials of fentanyl missing or diverted
For comparison, the department ordered only 11 hydromorphone vials and 92 fentanyl vials for all of 2023.
A Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation began after Wausau Fire Department staff reported concerns that Thompson appeared to be misusing controlled substances.
Staff Reported Suspicious Behavior Inside the Fire Station
According to the complaint, coworkers noticed troubling signs — including blood spots, torn fentanyl seals, and used tourniquets in a fire station bathroom shortly after Thompson used it. Staff also reported that Thompson frequently visited the station on his off days, including holidays, which they described as unusual.
A witness told investigators that Thompson routinely placed unusually large drug orders through Aspirus Wausau Pharmacy. While most department orders rarely exceeded five vials at a time, Thompson allegedly ordered 10 or more vials routinely.
The department confirmed he is no longer employed, with his termination effective September 17.
Court Hearing Moves Case Toward Trial
Thompson waived his preliminary hearing on Friday, and the judge ruled there was enough evidence to proceed with criminal charges. He remains free on a $25,000 signature bond and is scheduled to return to court on December 17.
The Wausau Fire Department issued a statement noting that staff acted quickly to report concerns, prompting the DOJ to launch a full investigation.
Community Impact and What Happens Next
The missing medications — both powerful opioids — are typically used during life-threatening emergencies. Hydromorphone and fentanyl require strict tracking due to their potency, abuse potential, and federal regulations.
The case has raised questions about oversight, internal safeguards, and how such large quantities could allegedly be diverted over an extended period.
Thompson faces multiple felony counts, including misconduct in public office and theft of controlled substances. If convicted, he could face significant prison time.
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