Respiratory Therapist Accused Of Stealing, Selling Ventilators

SEATTLE — A Veteran's Affairs respiratory therapist is charged with theft of government property after ventilators, bronchoscopes and other respiratory support medical supplies were stolen from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and re-sold on eBay.

In a release, United States Attorney Brian T. Moran said 41-year-old Gene Wamsley of Bonney Lake made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle Thursday.

According to the release, Wamsley is accused of stealing three bronchoscopes and five ventilators from the VAMC and selling them on eBay.

Moran said a variety of other respiratory support equipment was also sold on Ebay through an account linked to Wamsley, and medical supplies were found in Wamsley's home. VAMC administrators confirmed the items were used in the hospital's respiratory therapy department.

“Right now respiratory support equipment is critical in medical care for those suffering with COVID-19 infections. To steal and sell equipment needed to care for our veterans is a shocking betrayal,” Moran said in a statement.

Theft of government property is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, Moran said. An investigation into the incident is ongoing and being conducted by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. The case is prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Cecelia Gregson.