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Police: Domestic dispute results in arrest

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LCCC human services students collect items for blessing bags

<p>PLAINS TWP. &#8212; The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday that it had begun disciplinary action against a nurse at its Wilkes-Barre Medical Center who allegedly assisted with a surgery while drunk.</p><p><a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/515090/nurse-accused-of-aiding-in-emergency-surgery-at-wilkes-barre-veterans-administration-medical-center-while-under-the-influence-of-alcohol" target="_blank">Richard J. Pieri, 50, had been charged Feb. 17 with reckless endangerment, driving under the influence and public drunkenness</a> after an incident in which he allegedly staggered back into the hospital after drinking four or five beers at Mohegan Sun Pocono casino in nearby Plains Township.</p><p>VA officials said Pieri was issued a notice Saturday of the proposed disciplinary action, which could see him &#8220;removed&#8221; from the medical center.</p><p>The department said the behavior violated its core values of &#8220;integrity, commitment and excellence,&#8221; and that officials were still trying to identify anyone who may have &#8220;been aware of the situation and failed to act.&#8221;</p><p><strong>This story will be updated.</strong></p><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Geri Gibbons</p><p>ggibbons@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons</p></shirttailMeta></div>

VA proposes disciplinary action against nurse accused of being drunk on the job