The surgery technician infected with Hepatitis C who stole painkillers and apparently infected dozens of patients has agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence.
Some victims will justifiably wish for even greater penalties, but we hope that the federal judge assigned the case accepts the plea deal.
So far, prosecutors say that 16 of 35 patients likely infected by Kristen Diane Parker’s abominable behavior have been more definitely linked to her.
Now, Parker’s cooperation should help speed efforts to get victims treatment. A court battle could have compromised those efforts. Defense attorneys could have argued that Parker, 26, never definitively knew she had hepatitis C, though a pre-employment screen suggested she did, and medical officials warned her to get further tests.
Parker would not be allowed to work in medicine upon release.
Twenty years is a stiff penalty, and Parker’s guilty plea allows healing to begin. Federal convictions require that inmates serve at least 85 percent of their sentences.
Another benefit to the plea is that victims won’t be disclosed during a trial, allowing them greater privacy.
We hope that’s at least a small solace for those who Parker so irresponsibly endangered.
