Doctor Convicted of Feeding Poison to Six Paramedics
A doctor who “clearly performed evil deeds” was found guilty Friday of lacing co-workers’ snacks with arsenic-based ant poison.
Dr. Michael Swango, convicted of offering poisoned food and beverages to members of an Adams County ambulance crew, showed little emotion when Circuit Judge Dennis Cashman announced his verdict after the two-week trial.
None of the six paramedics became seriously ill.
Swango, 30, was found guilty on six of seven counts of aggravated battery and faces up to five years in prison on each count. Sentencing was set for June 12.
The incidents occurred when Swango was working as an Adams County paramedic while awaiting medical licenses from Illinois and Ohio last fall. He also is being investigated in several deaths at University Hospital at Ohio State University, where he served as a resident.
No motive was established in the case, but the prosecution claimed that Swango was fascinated with death. Assistant State’s Atty. Chet Vahle said Thursday that a co-worker had quoted Swango as saying: “I feel my life has an evil purpose.”
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