Va. nurse admits diverting medicine from patients

ROANOKE -- A certified nurse anesthetist has pleaded guilty to giving himself pain medication intended for patients at two Virginia hospitals.

Alvin Earl Parkes admitted Thursday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to two counts of obtaining controlled substances through fraud or deception.

U.S. Attorney Julia C. Dudley said the 62-year-old Draper man diverted fentanyl prescribed to pregnant women and patients undergoing surgeries and such procedures as colonoscopies.

Parkes gave himself shots of fentanyl while sitting in a hospital bathroom.

The former nurse at Pulaski Community Hospital and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center has surrendered his nursing license.

He faces up to eight years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine at sentencing.