ROCKVILLE, Md. – A 50-year-old dentist and oral surgeon in Maryland has been sentenced to 45 years in a state correctional facility for the death of his 25-year-old girlfriend, who fatally overdosed on anesthesia medications.
The dentist, James Michael Ryan, set up an at-home IV station for his girlfriend and administered addictive anesthesia medications. State Circuit Court Judge Cheryl A. McCally ordered the 45-year sentence, citing Ryan’s significant contribution to his girlfriend’s death, as well as his exploitation of a position of power over her.
Ryan was found guilty of second-degree depraved heart murder, involuntary manslaughter, possession with the intent to distribute midazolam, and distribution of ketamine and diazepam. The judge’s decision to exceed the state sentencing guidelines was based on the evidence presented during the trial, including text messages showing Ryan administering ketamine to his girlfriend while she was asleep.
The victim, Sarah Harris, passed away in January 2021 after overdosing on ketamine and diazepam. Despite efforts by Montgomery County Fire Rescue, she did not survive. Ryan had initially claimed that Harris was “okay” when he went to bed, but he later found her unresponsive on the couch with used hypodermic needles and various vials of controlled dangerous substances nearby.
Harris had met Ryan when she visited his office for a medical procedure in the fall of 2020. She began working for him as a surgical technician and eventually started dating him, leading to them living together. An autopsy confirmed her cause of death as ketamine and diazepam intoxication, with various drugs and drug paraphernalia found in their home.
The sentencing of Ryan serves as a reminder of the dangers of drug misuse and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals. This case reflects the devastating consequences of irresponsible behavior within the medical community.
The tragic outcome of this case underscores the importance of safeguarding patients and the legal consequences for healthcare professionals who exploit their positions of power for illicit activities.