Howell, Michigan – The long-awaited sentencing of Barry Cadden, a key figure in a fatal meningitis outbreak spanning multiple states, was unexpectedly delayed by a Michigan judge, causing distress to those prepared to share their grief after 12 years.
Previously, Cadden had entered a no-contest plea, with both the defense attorney and the prosecutor anticipating a 10-year prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter to be imposed by Judge Michael Hatty. However, due to the retirement of Judge Hatty, Judge Matthew McGivney took over the case and decided to postpone the sentencing to address any confusion surrounding the situation.
This decision left many individuals, who had prepared statements to speak on behalf of their lost loved ones, feeling blindsided and disappointed. One woman outside the courtroom, 60 miles northwest of Detroit, was seen in tears, illustrating the emotional toll of the situation.
Among those affected was Peggy Nuerenberg, whose mother Mary Plettl passed away after receiving a contaminated steroid injection for pain relief. Nuerenberg expressed her frustration, stating that the proceedings of the day were insensitive to the victims and their families who had diligently prepared their statements.
Another complicating factor arose with concerns over Judge McGivney’s wife working for the state attorney general’s office, the same office prosecuting Cadden. Despite this potential conflict of interest, the judge chose not to disqualify himself from the case.
Michigan stands as the sole state prosecuting Cadden for the deaths related to mold-tainted steroids produced at the New England Compounding Center and distributed to pain clinics nationwide. The outbreak led to sickness and death in individuals across 20 states, with a total of at least 64 fatalities reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While Cadden agreed to a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors have agreed to a minimum sentence of 10 years, aligned with his existing federal prison term for related crimes. However, for some families of the deceased, like Gene Keyes, the agreement feels inadequate and unjust, with Keyes emphasizing Cadden’s prioritization of greed over human lives.
Despite Cadden’s plea, another individual connected to the case, Glenn Chin, has not reached a similar agreement and faces pending trials on charges of second-degree murder. Survivors of the outbreak like Ken Borton continue to suffer from chronic issues, with Borton highlighting the lasting impact of the tainted steroids on his health and quality of life.
As the legal proceedings in Michigan unfold, the victims and their families remain resolute in seeking justice and closure after enduring the tragic consequences of the meningitis outbreak.