monoc-wegner

A former MONOC paramedic has been indicted on charges she stole an unconscious woman's credit card and tried to use it. (MONOC)

TRENTON — A Monmouth County grand jury has indicted a paramedic on charges she stole the bank card of an unconscious accident victim and tried to use it at a convenience store.

The indictment, handed up on Monday, charges Lori Wegner, 42, of Toms River, with credit card theft and fraudulent use of a credit card

Wegner, a paramedic for MONOC, a non-profit hospital cooperative that operates an ambulance service, was also suspended by the state Department of Health pending the resolution of her case.

According to the Aug. 25 suspension letter to Wegner from the state office of emergency medical services, she is accused of stealing the debit card that fell out of the purse of an unconscious woman involved in a car accident on July 17 in Howell.

The letter, which was based on a police report, said Wegner tried to use the card at a Wawa convenience store in Jackson later that day but the transaction was denied because of insufficient funds.

When confronted by police the following week, Wegner admitted to stealing the card and trying to use it, according to the letter.

“Because the crimes with which you have been charged are serious and the nature of the charges are indicative of poor judgment and lack of trustworthiness, the department finds that your continued certification as an EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Basic constitutes an immediate and serious threat to public safety, health and welfare,” the letter said.

Scott Matin, a spokesman for MONOC, would only say that Wegner no longer works for the corporation.

MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.