A hospital surgery technician accused of stealing painkiller syringes in Colorado, possibly exposing patients to HIV, plans to plead guilty.
Rocky Allen's lawyer filed a document in federal court in Denver Wednesday notifying a judge that he plans to change his plea without a deal with prosecutors.
The move comes about a month after prosecutors announced Allen had HIV and urged surgical patients at Swedish Medical Center, where he worked, to be tested.
Authorities fear Allen may have replaced fentanyl needles intended for patients with syringes he previously used, making infection possible.
The case has also led to warnings to patients at hospitals where he worked in Arizona, California and Washington to be tested.
Allen's lawyer has said he starting abusing drugs while serving as a Navy medic in Afghanistan.
---------
Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.
