FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Washington State Department of Health has charged a nursing assistant in Ferndale with unprofessional conduct after she was found in possession of fentanyl while on the job.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office raided a Ferndale residence on April 13, 2023, following a 5-year-old’s overdose death from fentanyl.
During the search, the SWAT team found Amber Valdez, a long-term care aide who worked at the residence, in possession of fentanyl. Valdez admitted to using the drug earlier that morning.
Her two daughters were then taken away from her and put under the care of a family member.
Valdez later told investigators that she was not involved in the child’s overdose death. If she’s found guilty of unprofessional conduct, Valdez’s nursing assistant credentials could be revoked or suspended.
