Health Department: 3 Positive Cases Of HIV Identified Among Harrington Patients

Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris says he has no estimate on how long it will take to complete the investigation into Tulsa dentist Dr. Scott Harrington.

Harris said discussions are continuing between his office and other law enforcement and government agencies regarding allegations against Harrington.

Read The Oklahoma Board Of Dentistry's Complaint Against Dr. Harrington

"We are in contact with a variety of state and federal agencies, including the state dental board but the simple fact is that a substantial investigation will need to be conducted and completed before any decision on potential criminal charges will take place," District Attorney Tim Harris said in a statement.

In March, the state Board of Dentistry filed a 17-count complaint against Harrington.

Harris said his investigation could take a significant amount of time, in part, because of the number of people who will need to be interviewed. Both federal and state investigators will be involved, according to Harris.

5/6/2013 Related Story: Agency Going Online To Track Down Patients Of Tulsa Dentist In Health Scare

"Once an investigation is complete, the case will be reviewed for potential criminal charges. Depending on what the investigation reveals, it is possible charges could be filed by the Tulsa County DA's Office, or by the state Attorney General or by federal prosecutors. Prosecutors for all agencies will objectively look at the evidence and then make those decisions," Harris said.

In March, Tulsa County health officials urged 7,000 patients of Dr. Harrington to be tested for hepatitis and the virus that causes AIDS. To date, over 3,800 patients had been tested.

Thursday, the health department reported one more of Harrington's patients had tested positive for hepatitis C, bringing the total to 70. Four total have tested positive for Hepatitis B. The health department reported Thursday that it has now identified three positive cases of HIV.

The health department will continue investigating to determine if the patients contracted the diseases from either of Harrington's Tulsa-area clinics.