Also note, these pages were OCRed by myself and may contain grammatical errors. I tried to fix as many of them as I could while trying to format them by hand in order to make it readable on Usenet. If anyone has any more efficient ways to format such articles from tifs, both in OCRing to text and/or .rtf and also in a Usenet post, please advise me of a better way. :)] CLEARWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CRIMINAL PROSECUTION SUMMARY CPD#: 95-29158 FDLE#: CL-01 -0002 DATE OF OFFENSE: November 18, 1995 to December 5, 1995 WITNESS NAME:George Podgorny, MD ADDRESS:2115 Georgia Ave. Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104 EMPLOYER:Salem Emergency Medicine BUSINESS TX:(919)727-1161 DATE OF INTERVIEW:11/11/97 INTERVIEWER:Sgt. Andrews, SA Strope LOCATION OF INTERVIEW:2115 Georgia Ave. Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104 ATTORNEY:N/A WITNESS CAN TESTIFY TO · Lisa looking for attention at Morton Plant Hospital. · Lisa suffering a degree of mental instability at the accident scene. · Lisa being deceased when she arrived at HCA Hospital in New Port Richey, thus resuscitation was not possible. · pulmonary embolisms basically suffocating a person internally. · the formation of Lisa's emboli being a result of her being bed-ridden and dehydrated. · it being important to keep a person in an upright position to prevent the formation of a pulmonary embolism. · the marks on Lisa's wrists resulting from some type of a struggle. · the possibility existing that some findings and bruises are related to inadequate nutrition something that is necessary to keep up the tissue integrity and the ability of the blood to clot. · knowing that any physician trained in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico since the end of World War Two should not have failed to notice that this woman needed serious medical attention. · being familiar with the training required to be taught to physicians since he is on the faculty of two Medical schools and has recently served on the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. · an anesthesiologist being eminently trained in physiology, cardiology and lung disease... every problem that in his opinion Lisa was suffering from. * Lisa being in trouble medically 5 days after she arrived at the Ft. Harrison Hotel. · people who are being held captive reaching a point where they give up. a person needing 2,000 cubic centimeters of water per day to sustain good health. · knowing that anyone in Lisa's condition would have lost approximately 2 pounds per day. · there being no evidence whatsoever, clinically or otherwise, indicating Lisa had an infection. · the whole issue of looking for infection as disingenuous. · the fact that Lisa should have been transported to the nearest emergency room. · his expert opinion being that Lisa's care was incomprehensible. · the people taking care of Lisa being grossly negligent. · the treatment given to Lisa being criminal. · Lisa's condition not being a sudden medical event but was the result of many days of inadequate care. · the fact that the medicines being given to Lisa lowered her blood pressure and reduced her mental capacity. · the fact that it is not appropriate for a physician to prescribe Valium and Chloral Hydrate to a patient without first seeing that person. · the fact that Valium, Chloral Hydrate, and Valerian Root when given together have a synergistic effect. · Lisa needing intensive care 5 to 7 days into the watch.- · the fact that being dehydrated and bed-ridden is a more common cause of pulmonary embolisms than a bruise on an extremity. · the fact that if a pulmonary embolism is found in a timely fashion the patient has a good chance of survival. · the marks on Lisa's hands being essentially bruises. · the fact that in his opinion the bruises on Lisa's wrists are more than likely the result of her either being tied or held down. · seeing no indication of a staph infection. · Janis Johnson acting in the role of a physician. · Lisa not being capable on 12-05-95, of telling anyone that she wanted to go to see Dr. Minkoff at HCA. · Lisa not being capable of thinking for the last 4 or more days of her life. · the fact that magnesium is given as a sedative or given to people who are having seizures. · Lisa being agitated on December 1, 1995, and probably not being fully conscious. · the fact that dehydration and low blood pressure cause cool extremities. · the fact that a dentist is acting inappropriately by treating anyone for anything other than a dental problem. · the fact that medical doctors are adequately trained to recognize patients who are experiencing psychiatric problems.. · Lisa probably having all ready passed her emboli, and her brain having relaxed her sphincter muscle, during her bath on 12/5/95. · Greenwood's assessment and description of Lisa's breathing being consistent with her dying. · it being scientifically impossible to say that Lisa simply became sick and died during her last day at the Ft. Harrison Hotel. · being without water for 5 days would not have caused the severe dehydration that he saw. His opinion is that the time without sufficient liquids was much greater then 5 days. · the fact that in his opinion the people taking care of Lisa were aware of what the outcome would be. · the fact that he never examined or treated Lisa, but only reviewed her medical records and based his opinions on the review of those records only. CONCLUSION: This case has been active since the suspicious death of Lisa McPherson on December 5,1995. The ensuing investigation has revealed that Lisa McPherson, who was a member of the Church of Scientology, died while in the care and custody of church personnel. At the request of the Clearwater Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement assisted in the investigation into the death of Lisa McPherson. Since December 6,1995, investigators have gathered information from approximately 90 individuals. In addition there have been approximately 80 subpoenas issued for evidentiary documents as well as various individual's testimony. There are 82 exhibits tagged as evidence and secured at the Clearwater Police Department. Documents that are known to have existed and would shed light on the last days of Lisa McPherson's life have not been available or produced by the Scientology Organization. Certain documents turned over by church attorneys to the state attorney as a result of subpoena have been altered and are not true copies as testified under oath. The sequence of events began when Lisa was involved in a minor traffic accident in the City of Clearwater on Nov.18, 1995. As a result of this accident and Lisa's request for help, paramedics transported her to Morton Plant Hospital. Lisa was examined at the hospital's emergency room and found to have no physical injuries as a result of her accident. She did, however, exhibit a behavioral dysfunction that led to an evaluation by a psychiatric nurse In spite of this nurse's opinion and that of the attending physician, members of the Church of Scientology encouraged Lisa to sign out of the hospital against medical advice. These church members assured hospital staff that they would give Lisa the care she needed. Lisa was subsequently transported to the Ft. Harrison Hotel by her Senior Case Supervisor Alain Kartuzinski. Sworn testimony has shown that Lisa entered the Church of Scientology's Fort Harrison Hotel on Nov.18, 1995, and was committed to an isolation watch. At that time she was healthy and physically fit. Testimony further supports that Lisa's physical and mental well-being deteriorated drastically until her death on Dec.5, 1995. Evidence, both in the form of caretaker records and testimony, indicates that in the first 8-10 days of her watch she repeatedly requested to leave her isolation room and was denied by church members. Further evidence indicates that on several occasions Lisa attempted to leave but was physically restrained and kept in the room by church personnel. Testimony reveals that Lisa was not capable of making decisions for herself during the watch, and that her mental condition made it imperative that the necessary decisions be made for her concerning medical needs. The investigation has revealed that Lisa McPherson was discharged from Morton Plant Hospital against medical advice. She was then placed in a motel room at the Church of Scientology Headquarters and held against her wishes by various Scientology Organization personnel and security officers. She entered the Ft. Harrison Hotel a vibrant, healthy, well nourished young female. She weighed in the vicinity of 150 pounds and was 5'8" tall. She was 36 years old and was known to keep herself in good physical condition. Lisa became totally dependent on her caretakers as they were the only individuals allowed to have contact with her. No relatives were contacted, she could not leave and had no access to a telephone. Church policy prohibited verbal communication with Lisa. She depended on Scientology staff for food and water since she was completely isolated. Caretakers' notes that have been provided to the investigators as a result of a State Attorney's subpoena indicate that guards were posted outside of Lisa's room. These guards were used on several occasions to "guide" Lisa back into her room. Testimony by security personnel indicate that Lisa was not allowed to leave her room Without the permission of Alain Kartuzinski. It appears the witnesses were coached in their responses to investigators. The term "guided" was used by all personnel when they were asked regarding Lisa attempts to leave the room. Her physical and mental well being became the responsibility of three Scientology Staff members. The investigation reveals that as result of their positions of authority and, in two cases medical training, certain members of the Scientology Organization appear to have been grossly negligent in their care of Lisa McPherson. That lack of caring, coupled with a lack of appropriate medical care, resulted in her premature death at the age of 36. Alain Kartuzinski had the final authority on all decisions made regarding Lisa's watch. Correspondence that was prepared daily concerning Lisa was ordered to be routed directly to him and was delivered by a staff communications runner. Questions written by Mr. Kartuzinski were sent to the security chief when Mr. Kartuzinski was not receiving reports on Lisa's condition. Those questionnaires were completed and returned to Mr. Kartuzinski. His permission was needed to administer a prescription drug. Janis Johnson requested permission from Mr. Kartuzinski prior to obtaining medications for Lisa. Sworn testimony supports the fact that in order for Lisa to be released Alain Kartuzinski had to give his permission. Janis Johnson is a medical doctor specializing in anesthesiology who surrendered her license in Arizona to practice medicine as a result of a drug problem. She held the position of Medical Liaison Officer within the Church and was assigned by Alain Kartuzinski to care for Lisa. Records and testimony indicate that Dr. Johnson was attending to Lisa daily. She wrote instructions to other women who were attending to Lisa and made daily reports to Alain Kartuzinski. Dr. Johnson made medical evaluations of Lisa and then requested prescription drugs from Dr. David Minkoff. Laura Arrunada is a Mexican citizen and Scientology staff member. She graduated from medical school in Mexico City but never completed her board certification. During Lisa's isolation watch Arrunada was the deputy medical liaison officer and was assigned to the watch. She cared for Lisa the last several days before her death. Arrunada indicated that Lisa was not eating, drinking or sleeping the last several days of the watch and became very weak. Dr. Johnson and Arrunada have medical training. Both have extensive medical knowledge that should have alerted them to act on Lisa's condition and request medical treatment. It is apparent that both doctors did little more than merely observe as Lisa's health deteriorated during her watch. Caretakers' notes as well as sworn testimony paint a vivid picture as to the level of health care that Lisa received while in the care and custody of these individuals. Dr. Johnson and Arrunada issued orders to staff members to administer an assortment of vitamins, potions, minerals and prescription drugs. Evidence exists that indicates that at least two prescriptions were obtained with the help of Doctor David Minkoff. Dr. Minkoff is a Scientologist and a physician who works in the emergency room at Columbia HCA Hospital in New Port Richey. One prescription was for liquid valium and the other for Chloral Hydrate. These drugs were obtained in an attempt to sedate Lisa. Sworn testimony demonstrates that as early as 3:45pm to 4:00pm on December 5,1995, Dr. Johnson related to another member of the organization that she was extremely alarmed at Lisa's physical condition. She told this member that Lisa needed to go to the hospital immediately because she was very sick. At 6:00pm Arrunada notified Dr. Johnson that Lisa needed medical treatment. In spite of Dr. Johnson's own medically educated concerns, and the alarm given by her deputy medical liaison officer, it was not until 8:00pm that Johnson finally made the decision to seek appropriate medical attention for Lisa. Dr. Johnson enlisted the assistance of Arrunada and Greenwood to transport Lisa to HCA Columbia Hospital. Columbia is located approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive from the Ft. Harrison Hotel and was staffed by Dr. David Minkoff. Lisa was not taken to Morton Plant Hospital which is only three (3) minutes drive away. No ambulance or emergency team were called. Dr. Johnson ordered the staff members to carry Lisa from the room and place her in Dr. Johnson's personal vehicle. Laura Arrunada and Paul Greenwood-held Lisa upright for the long ride to New Port Richey. Lisa McPherson arrived at HCA Hospital on December 5,1995, at 9:25pm, 17 days after the accident weighing only 108 pounds. Lisa was dead on arrival. Sworn testimony indicates that several caretakers were alarmed at the condition of Lisa McPherson. Lisa's steadily deteriorating medical condition caused caretaker Alice VanGrondelle to remark that she felt that Lisa was obviously dehydrated ten days into the watch. The investigation revealed that Dr. Johnson and Arrunada should have recognized, as did Alice VanGrondelle, that Lisa was in trouble. In the opinion of medical experts interviewed in this case, Lisa would be alive today had Janis Johnson, Laura Arrunada, or Alain Kartuzinski sought proper medical attention in a hospital setting. In conclusion, the investigation demonstrates through written documents and sworn testimony that the Church of Scientology became the sole care giver to Lisa. The three responsible staff members, Alain Kartuzinski, Dr. Johnson, and Arrunada, through their actions and their failure to act, are culpable and responsible for her death. Recommendations: As a result of this in-depth investigation, it is the conclusion of the assigned investigators that the death of Lisa McPherson could and should have been prevented. Representatives of the Church of Scientology guaranteed hospital officials that twenty four hour care would be provided to Lisa. Documented testimony and observations have confirmed that during her subsequent stay at the Ft. Harrison Hotel, Lisa McPherson exhibited mental incapacitation that restricted her ability to perform the normal activities of daily living. The Church of Scientology and the assigned staff assumed responsibility for the care of Lisa as a " disabled adult". Sworn testimony and documents indicate that the Church of Scientology assigned Mr. Alain Kartuzinski as the senior case supervisor, Doctor Janis Johnson the medical liaison officer and Laura Arrunada the deputy medical liaison officer as primary care givers. These three care givers caused the death of Lisa McPherson by culpable negligence in a manner proscribed by FSS 825.102(3)(a)1. They caused this death by their failure to provide the victim with care, proper supervision, and services necessary to maintain her physical and mental health. Lisa's needs included but were not limited to, food, nutrition, medicine, and medical services, which are items a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of a disabled adult. This failure to care was so pronounced as to constitute culpable negligence. Further, the actions of Johnson and Arrunada also appear to have been the practice of medicine, neither Johnson or Arrunada are licensed to practice medicine in Florida. As a result, probable cause exists to support the following charges being filed. Alain Kartuzinski: Aggravated Manslaughter FSS 782.07(2) Janis Johnson: Aggravated Manslaughter FSS 782.07(2) Practice of Medicine w/o FSS 458.327(a) License Laura Arrunada: Aggravated Manslaughter. FSS 782.07(2) Practice of Medicine w/o FSS 458.327(a) License CLEARWATER POLICE -FDLE PROSECUTION SUMMARY Summary Page 107