Tory E. Eitz
A former nurse charged with misappropriating medication prescribed for students at an Arlington Heights elementary school pleaded guilty Thursday to multiple counts of child endangerment, forgery and official misconduct.
Tory E. Eitz, 48, was sentenced to 180 days in the Cook County jail, 90 days of which she will serve in the jail’s drug treatment program.
Noting Eitz, “selfishly disregarded the safety of students under her care” and “abused her position of trust,” Cook County Judge Marc Martin also sentenced her to 30 months probation, ordered random drug testing, prohibited her from contacting the students and their families, and imposed $869 in fines.
Additionally, Martin prohibited Eitz from participating in certain health care employment, including providing services related to children.
Cook County sheriff’s deputies handcuffed Eitz and ushered her out of the Rolling Meadows courtroom following the lengthy hearing during which eight parents described in wrenching detail the suffering their children endured — which included emotional distress, academic decline and erratic behavior — because Eitz did not administer their prescribed medication.
Eitz worked as school nurse at Westgate Elementary School school from Aug. 19, 2019 through May 8, 2024. From May 3, 2023 to April, 22 2024, she was responsible for documenting, storing, handling and administering prescribed medication for several students “which included controlled amphetamine substances,” said Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Frances McMahon.
Westgate Elementary School in Arlington Heights.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald, April 2024
Eitz was fired by Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 in May 2024 amid an investigation into the allegations.
In April of this year, the parents of nine Westgate students sued Eitz, the school district and district officials, alleging she intentionally gave children the wrong medication and school leaders had the ability to prevent stop her “and actively chose not to.”
· This is a developing story. Check back to dailyherald.com for additional details later today.
Gerald Steele is the founder of Stonegate Health Rehab. He shares expert insights, recovery tips, and rehab resources to support individuals on their journey to wellness.