Investigation centers on former Wishard staffer

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - I-Team 8 continues to investigate whether Wishard Memorial Hospital patients were compromised following a disturbing discovery there.

According to a Marion County Sheriff's Department report, a New Castle correctional officer found a cell phone in a patient room in Wishard's detention area on Jan. 20. That phone contained inappropriate pictures and video. Friday, a Wishard spokesman confirmed the phone might have belonged to a former staff member.

In a statement, Wishard spokesman Todd Harper said: "Last Friday, employees were alerted to possible inappropriate conduct by a former staff member and immediately contacted local authorities. Wishard is working closely with the Marion County Sheriff's Office on the investigation as well as the Marion County Prosecutor's Office."

The prosecutor's office will say little, releasing a statement that says simply: "The incident is part of an ongoing investigation and we cannot make any further comments at this point in time."

24-Hour News 8 contacted the Marion County Sheriff's Department, and offials there confirm they are investigating the case, but as of Friday no arrest had been made.

However, I-Team 8 independently confirmed the identity of the 46-year-old former employee said to possibly be involved. 24-Hour News 8 anchor Deanna Dewberry went to his apartment Friday, and although someone appeared to be home, no one answered the door.