A FORMER VETERANS AFFAIRS NURSE ACCUSED OF DIVERTING DRUGS HAS PLED GUILTY TO THE CRIME 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. WHEN CONFRONTED BY AUTHORITIES, SHE SAID SHE WAS GIVING THE MEDICINE TO HER HUSBAND. SHE FACES UP TO FOUR YEARS IN JAIL AND 250-THOUSAND DOLLARS. SHE’S SCHEDULED TO BE SENTENCED JUNE 2ND.