Westmoreland County nurses accused of taking inappropriate patient photos are appearing in court

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Former Westmoreland County nurses accused of taking nude photos and videos of patients appeared in court Thursday.

The preliminary hearing was waived for Peter Castellano and Melissa Tompkins, the two former nurses accused of taking and sharing nude videos and photos of patients at Westmoreland Hospital. Those images were then allegedly shared in a group text with two other hospital employees.

Some of the alleged victims and their families were present in the courtroom on Thursday. Samuel Cordes, attorney for former patient Rose Storey, said the hospital had a duty to protect his client, and the hospital failed her.

“She’s a very private person,” Cordes said. “To be so exposed on a cell phone camera and then have that photo passed on to various people is also a violation of both state and federal wiretapping laws.”

Some changes were made to the rates on Thursday. Six of the seven invasion of privacy charges were dropped against Castellano, and both invasion of privacy charges were dropped against Tompkins. Multiple charges of abuse of a dependent were added to both.

“The Commonwealth agreed with our position that this was not based on sexual desire and was likely more based on childish behavior,” said Casey White, Tompkins’ attorney.

Castellano and Tompkins deny any wrongdoing. They admitted to being part of the group chat and looking at the photos, but both said they did not take the photos or videos.

Casey Mullen, Castellano’s attorney, said they are still in the fact-finding phase. Mullen said seeing a discovery will help him better understand the Commonwealth’s case.

“Once we have a chance to assess everything in its entirety, we will be in a better position to form an opinion on the defenses,” Mullen said.

Cordes announced that he has filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of his client against both defendants and Westmoreland Hospital.