An arrest has been made in the rape of a 29 year old mentally challenged, quadriplegic woman at the Hacienda Healthcare Facility in Arizona.
Nathan Sutherland, a 36-year-old, licensed practical nurse, was arrested after DNA testing proved he was the father of the child born to the patient who had been in a vegetative state for over 26 years, police revealed Wednesday.
Sutherland has worked at Hacienda since 2011. State records show he was licensed as a clinical nursing assistant since 2005, before he became a licensed nurse practitioner. According to police, officials at the facility confirmed that he was directly responsible for caring for the victim.
The 36-year-old is described as a Haitian orphan and devout Christian, who regularly tours local churches and performs Christian rap songs, as part of a group named ‘SLEEPLESSSOLJAZ’ along with his sister.
“From the minute we first became aware of the crime, we have virtually worked nonstop seven days a week to resolve this case,”Phoenix Police Chief, Jeri Williams, said in a press conference on Wednesday.
The suspect allegedly refused to answer investigator’s questions after his arrest.
The victim, despite her vegetative state, gave birth to a baby boy on December 29 as staff at the Hacienda Healthcare facility frantically called 911 for assistance, apparently unaware that the 112 pound patient was even pregnant.
The baby has since been released from the hospital and is said to be in the custody of the victim’s family. A lawyer for the family has confirmed to the New York Times that the baby “has been born into a loving family and will be well cared for.”
“The baby I am told is doing good,” Phoenix police Sergeant, Tommy Thomson, told the Daily Mail.
Phoenix police are still actively investigating to determine if any other patients at the facility have been abused.
Bill Timmons, Hacienda HealthCare’s CEO, resigned on December 31 as the provider announced an internal investigation was underway and new safety measures and practices would be implemented immediately, including more than one staff member being present during patient interactions and more scrutiny of visitors.
The two doctors responsible for overseeing the care of the victim have been identified and suspended and another doctor has resigned.
“The two physicians who were responsible for the care of the sexual assault victim are no longer providing medical services to Hacienda patients. One has resigned. The other one has been suspended,” the hospital said in a statement on Monday.
“Once again, we offer an apology and send our deepest sympathy to the client and her family. Hacienda intends to do everything possible to restore its credibility in the eyes of our patients, families, the community and our agency partners at every level,” a spokesperson said.
Discover more from Baller Alert
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
