A FORMER VETERANS AFFAIRS NURSE WHO ADMITTED TO DIVERTING DRUGS HAS BEEN SENTENCED IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN GREENEVILLE. 30 YEAR OLD KAREN WHITAKER OF BIG STONE GAP VIRGINIA PLED GUILTY TO ACQUIRING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BY MISREPRESENTATION, FRAUD, AND DECEPTION. SHE WORKED AT THE QUILLEN MEDICAL CENTER FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2006 AND TOOK MORPHINE FROM THE HOSPITAL’S AUTOMATED DISPENSING SYSTEM. SHE WAS SENTENCED TO 42 DAYS IN JAIL AND PLACED ON PROBATION FOR FIVE YEARS. THE JUDGE GAVE HER CREDIT FOR 12 DAYS SHE’S ALREADY SERVED IN JAIL. SHE WILL BE ALLOWED TO SERVE THE REMAINING TIME ON WEEKENDS.