Man Stole Hard Drive With Hospital Patients' Records: Prosecutor

SADDLE BROOK, NJ — A local man was charged with theft after a computer hard drive containing patients' records was stolen from Chilton Memorial Hospital and sold on eBay, authorities said.

Sergiu Jitcu, 39, of Saddle Brook was charged after he took the hard drive, accessed it and disclosed the data by selling it online, said Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.

Chilton Hospital's director of security reported to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Nov. 8 that Jitcu stole computer equipment, Knapp said. Jitcu is a former information technology employee at the hospital.

The prosecutor's office Specialized Crimes Division was notified that a Wisconsin man purchased the hard drive from Jitcu on eBay, Knapp said, and that it contained identifying information of people who were treated at Chilton.

Authorities investigated and obtained a search warrant for Jitcu's home where they found computer equipment and other items belonging to the hospital, Knapp said.

Atlantic Health Systems notified potentially affected patients Dec. 15 about what happened.

Jitcu was charged with two counts of computer criminal activity, theft and access and disclosure of data or personal identifying information.

The Saddle Brook and Pequannock police departments assisted with the investigation.

Related: Medical Data Might Have Been Sold Online: Chilton Medical Center

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