January 20, 2010

STATEMENT BY U.S. ATTORNEY DAVID GAOUETTE REGARDING TODAY’S KRISTEN PARKER HEARING

DENVER – This morning U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn exercised his discretion by not accepting a plea agreement previously presented by the government and the defense counsel for Kristen Parker.  Parker, a former “scrub tech” at two hospitals, had previously pled guilty to charges of tampering with a consumer product and obtaining controlled substances by deceit.  That agreement called for Parker to serve a 20 year federal prison term.  After deciding not to accept the plea, Judge Blackburn gave both parties, the government and defense, time to explore other alternatives, which include Parker moving forward with the present agreement, but allowing the judge to determine the sentence, Parker negotiating a new plea agreement, or the case going to trial.  A status conference has been set for February 5, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.  “The victim issues are vitally important in this case and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure their voices are heard,” U.S. Attorney David Gaouette said.

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