2 former local nurses accused of taking, sharing inappropriate patient photos turn themselves in

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Walking with her attorney, Melissa Tompkins stayed silent as she turned herself in to Greensburg Police.

Her former colleague, Peter Castellano, also did not answer questions from Channel 11′s Andrew Havranek.

The two former employees of Westmoreland Hospital are accused of taking naked and partially clothed photos and videos of nearly 10 patients without their permission. In one of the videos, police say the suspects were antagonizing patients, including one where a patient was crying.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 4 former Westmoreland Hospital employees accused of sharing inappropriate photos of patients

These images were shared in a group chat with two other employees.

Police tell Channel 11 those employees are not expected to be charged.

Despite both former nurses staying silent, Tompkin’s attorney spoke with Havranek after they turned themselves in.

“It’s shocking, candidly, but my client didn’t do what they said she did, and it’s our goal to prove that, even though they have to prove, they being the Commonwealth, have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that my client took these pictures and shared these pictures, and invaded the privacy of these patients,” said Casey White, Tompkin’s attorney.

Both Tompkins and Castellano are out on $40,000 unsecured bond. As part of the bond agreement, they are not allowed to work in a caregiver role.

They’re both due back in court October 24.

They aren’t the only two people who worked at the Westmoreland Hospital who have been fired and are now in trouble with the law.

According to police, Nick Casper was charged with false imprisonment after they say he locked a coworker with special needs in a walk-in freezer several times over the last six months.

According to court documents, he would close the door behind her when she went in, turn off the lights, and hold the door closed with his foot, or by putting on a padlock.

Police said the employee told them one time it lasted 15 minutes.

Police say Casper emailed his supervisor saying it was three to five minutes.

Thomas Chakurda of Independence Health System released a statement on Casper’s allegations.

“Westmoreland Hospital is aware of the ongoing inquiries regarding a recent incident involving employees at the hospital. The employee in question has been terminated. We are unable to provide further comment as this matter is under investigation,” Chakurda said.

Casper is due in court on November 14.

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