Nurse accused of sexually assaulting older patients at Royal Palm Beach surgical center
By Ari Hait
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ROYAL PALM BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — Joel Vega, a 34-year-old nurse at Palms Wellington Surgical Center in Royal Palm Beach, has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two older patients as they recovered from surgery, according to police reports made public Monday.
The assaults reportedly occurred on different days to two different victims. The first incident took place after a surgery on Feb. 5, with the report stating the patient “was conscious but unable to move or respond.” It alleges that “the male nurse lifted her underwear with his hand” and assaulted her.
The victim told police, “She felt so shocked that she could not speak or react during the incident.” When police spoke to the victim, “she described what took place as horrible and became visibly distraught.”
The second victim reported a similar experience after a surgery on Feb. 13, stating, “She felt the male nurse place his hand inside of her underwear” and he “reached under the neckline of her dress.” This patient fought back and reported the nurse to the sheriff’s office.
The reports say both patients picked Vega out of a lineup and confirmed he was the one who assaulted them. Vega is now charged with two counts of sexual assault and is currently free on bond.
Detectives believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone with information to contact them. Attempts to reach Palms Wellington Surgical Center for comment were unsuccessful.
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