Former UNC Rex Hospital nurse accused of sexually assaulting two patients
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A former nurse who worked at UNC Rex Hospital is being accused of sexual assault by two patients.
The Raleigh Police Department says there could be more cases.
On Nov. 21, Raleigh police responded to the hospital about a sexual assault that happened at the facility on Lake Boone Trail.
The victim reported that a nurse had sexually assaulted them.
During the investigation into that case, detectives identified another victim associated with the same nurse.
The alleged assaults happened while the patients were on pain medication, awake, and conscious
Brayan Alvarez Ortiz, 28, of Whitsett, was taken into custody on Wednesday at his home in Guilford County.
He is charged with sexual contact under the context of medical treatment, second-degree forcible sex offense, first-degree kidnapping, and sexual battery.
"We cannot confirm that there are other victims at this point, but there is a chance that there are other victims," said Lt. David Davis.
According to UNC Rex, Ortiz was hired in 2019 in an Administrative Clinical Assistant role and was not seeing patients. He was promoted to Clinical Nurse in May after putting himself through nursing school.
Ortiz is no longer employed by the hospital.
UNC Health Rex said in a statement obtained by ABC11:
"UNC Health Rex cannot comment on specific patients or employees due to privacy laws. In addition, this is an ongoing law enforcement investigation. We are deeply saddened and outraged by the nature of these allegations. Our hearts are with the patients involved and their families. We take all allegations of inappropriate behavior seriously. In those situations, we conduct our own investigations and cooperate with law enforcement. This individual has been terminated and is no longer employed by the organization. Our highest priority is always the health, privacy, well-being, and safety of our patients. We are grateful for law enforcement and the N.C. Board of Nursing for their cooperation in this matter. "
The hospital received the first complaint in November and reported it to the nursing board and Raleigh Police.
The Guilford County Sheriff's Office assisted with the investigation.
Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court Thursday in Wake County.
UNC Health Rex has set up a confidential reporting phone line where affected patients or family members can share information. Someone will contact them as soon as possible to discuss any concerns about this situation. The number is (919) 784-1800.
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