The Wisconsin pharmacy board is investigating a hospital pharmacist's license after a federal court charged him for animal cruelty related to research, ABC affiliate WKOW 27 reported Nov. 22.
Kenneth Herrera, PharmD, a pharmacist at Viroqua, Wis.-based Vernon Memorial Hospital, entered a plea deal in 2023 amid claims that he directed the torture of a macaque monkey in Indonesia and paid someone to videotape the animal's reactions to the treatment. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20.
Wisconsin's pharmacy examining board is requiring Dr. Herrera to undergo a Fitness to Practice assessment conducted by a healthcare practitioner and send the results to the board as soon as possible, according to the report.
His pharmacist license was granted in 2008 and renewed in 2022, according to the state.
A Vernon Memorial Healthcare spokesperson told Becker's, "We are closely monitoring Mr. Herrera's legal situation and have been in communication with the pharmacy board regarding their evaluation process. Note that because this involves a personnel matter and a pending legal issue, we are limited in our ability to comment further at this time."
It's unclear if he is still employed at the hospital.