Cheshire Nurse Admits Illegally Distributing Controlled Substances

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on January 21, 2026, MICHELE RENE MUZYKA, 61, of Cheshire, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to an offense related to her illegal distribution of controlled substances.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2024 and June 2025, Muzyka, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), unlawfully distributed amphetamines and benzodiazepines to individuals who did not have a legitimate medical need.  During office visits, Muzyka did not conduct medical examinations of certain patients and did not confirm conditions that would medically require treatment using these controlled substances.  Muzyka charged patients $200 in cash for the office visits in which she prescribed Schedule II and IV controlled substances, including to an undercover agent who posed as a Medicaid beneficiary.  Although she was enrolled as a Medicare and Medicaid provider, Muzyka declined to accept the undercover agent’s Medicaid plan and instead charged her $200 cash fee.  Medicaid paid $287.58 for the unlawful prescriptions written for the undercover agent.

Muzyka was arrested on June 23, 2025.

Muzyka pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, distribution of, and dispensing of controlled substances, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  She is released on a $75,000 pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 30.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.