The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA

June 6, 2009

Suspect could lose license

By Rick Dandes

HARRISBURG — Michelle Colone, charged with the March 31 theft of a wedding ring from a 91-year-old Hummels Wharf patient at Geisinger Medical Center, could lose her physical therapist’s license if convicted, a spokesman with the state’s Physical Therapy License Board said Friday.

“The act of theft itself could be considered unprofessional conduct,” said Charlie Young, of the Pennsylvania Department of State. “And it could well lead to a suspension of her license.”

Based on a conviction, the license board would first gather information from law enforcement officials and then conduct its own investigation.

“This could lead to a hearing and an order-to-show cause,” Young said. At the hearing, Colone would have an opportunity to justify or explain her actions.