Nurse accused of stealing drugs, possibly infecting patients with Hepatitis C speaks publicly

A former nurse at Good Samaritan hospital in Puyallup spoke publicly for the first time on Tuesday, after she was accused of stealing drugs and possibly infecting patients with Hepatitis C.

Cora Weberg read from a statement, flanked by three attorneys during a news conference at the attorney’s office in Fircrest.

“As of this very moment I do not believe that I am a contagious carrier of Hepatitis C,” Weberg said

She grew emotional at times, responding to allegations she infected patients at Good Samaritan hospital with Hepatitis C.

“I have never intentionally exposed anyone to Hepatitis C and it is beyond my comprehension I would have even unintentionally exposed someone to Hepatitis C,” she said.

Weberg said while she tested positive for a blood pathogen that is a possible indicator for Hepatitis C, it is at such a low level she cannot be medically diagnosed as infected or a carrier of the virus.

Watch a full replay of today's press conference in the post below:

But officials with Good Samaritan hospital claimed they had evidence Weberg was possibly behind at least two patients infected, saying 2,600 more had been notified they needed testing for possible exposure.

Weberg's attorneys say she did admit stockpiling lethal amounts of fentanyl and hydromorphone that she used in three unsuccessful suicide attempts brought on by the stress and trauma of working as an emergency room nurse. But she claimed she never injected herself with the drugs, then shared needles with patients as MultiCare officials alleged.

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“I want everyone to know that I never intentionally or unintentionally stuck anyone with a needle with which I’d previously stuck myself,” Weberg said while fighting back tears. “Of all of the allegations that have been made against me, this is the most awful.”

Brian Hershman, one of Weberg’s attorneys, lashed out an investigators with Puyallup police, the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, the Washington State Department of Health and MultiCare for targeting the 31-year-old Weberg, publicly naming her,  and having her arrested at the Canadian border as she was heading to Vancouver for a pre-planned flight to Guam with her boyfriend and his mother.

“They are wrong, here are the facts, they’re simply wrong,” said Hershman. “Are they incompetent or are they dishonest? I think those are the two options.”

Weberg was released from the Pierce County jail Friday night; so far no criminal charges have been filed against her. The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said they are reviewing the evidence turned over to them by police.

In a statement MultiCare told KIRO 7 they continue focusing on testing patients for Hepatitis C adding, “We do not have all the information about how the two patients known to be infected contracted the disease."

Weberg’s attorneys made it clear a lawsuit because of the claims made about her was already in the works.

“I will protect her good name and will hold those accountable who have chosen to disparage it,” said civil attorney Joan Mell.

KIRO 7 contacted the State Department of Health, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Puyallup Police Department for comment on allegations made by Hershman. All three responded with statements that they are continuing their investigations into Weberg and the Hepatitis C infections.

Cox Media Group