THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 28, 1995 TAG: 9501280247
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
The chief pharmacist at Albemarle Hospital, Harry B. Umphlett Jr., was fired Friday, and District Attorney Frank Parrish said ``there is an investigation in progress with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and . . . the investigation concerns Mr. Umphlett as well as others.''
No charges have been filed.
Umphlett joined the hospital staff in October 1969.
Albemarle Hospital spokeswoman Sandra Phelps said Umphlett was terminated ``for activities outside the scope of his duties at the hospital.''
Parrish said, ``The investigation involves the alleged diversion of pharmaceuticals and further alleged financial gains therefrom.''
Parrish said he will ask for a special prosecutor to determine whether charges will be filed.
Attempts to reach Umphlett at home were unsuccessful.
Umphlett's attorney, Michael Sanders of Elizabeth City, would not comment on the firing.
``What I can tell you is that (Umphlett) has retained our firm to represent him, and that I have known him for many years,'' said Sanders.
``I know him to be a well-respected member of our community, whose many good works in our community are well known.'' by CNB