Paramedic Indicted; Stole Credit Card From Unconscious Patient In Howell Car Accident

By Karen Wall (Patch Staff)

A Toms River woman indicted on credit card theft and fraud charges is accused of stealing the card from an unconscious patient she was treating at the scene of a Howell car accident as a MONOC paramedic.

According to a suspension letter issued by the New Jersey Department of Health to Lori Wegner, she was working as an EMT for MONOC on July 17 when she and a partner were dispatched to the car accident.

“At the accident scene, you rendered care to an unconscious female. While you were rendering aid to the patient, you stole a debit/credit card that had fallen out of the patient’s purse. Later that day, you attempted to purchase multiple items with the stolen debit/credit card at a Wawa in Jackson, New Jersey, but the transaction was declined due to insufficient funds. Upon being interviewed by police, you reported admitted to not only stealing the debit/credit card, but also attempting to purchase items with it.”

Wegner, 42, of Kettle Creek Road, has been suspended indefinitely as an EMT, according to the letter, dated Aug. 25.

“As you are aware, EMT-Paramedics are placed in a position of trust by the general public,” the letter states. “They must work in two person teams to respond effectively to emergencies and must make important medical assessments and carry out appropriate medical interventions at motor vehicle accidents, in people’s homes, and at other difficult field locations. In order to be effective, EMT-Paramedics must exercise good judgment, trust each other and be trusted by police officers, firefighters, doctors and other professionals.”

Wegner was indicted Monday by a Monmouth County grand jury sitting in Freehold. Credit card theft is a fourth-degree crime, while fraudulent use of a credit card is a third-degree crime.