Phoenix police have made an arrest in the sexual assault of a 29 year old incapacitated woman at the Hacienda HealthCare facility in Arizona, the case that drew national attention after she gave birth in December.
Police announced on Wednesday that Nathan, a 36 year old licensed practical nurse, was arrested after DNA testing linked him to the baby. Police said facility officials confirmed Nathan was directly responsible for caring for the woman, and that he has worked at Hacienda since 2011. Police also said he declined to answer investigators’ questions after his arrest. Baller Alert did not find a statement from Nathan or an attorney at the time of this report.
“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 at a press conference.
The woman gave birth on December 29, and staff called 911 after reportedly being unaware she was pregnant. The baby has since left the hospital and is with the woman’s family. An attorney for the family told the New York Times the baby was born into a loving family and will be well cared for. A Phoenix police sergeant told the Daily Mail that the baby was doing well.
Police said they were still investigating whether any other patients at the facility had been harmed. Hacienda’s CEO resigned on December 31 as the provider announced an internal investigation and new safety measures, including requiring more than one staff member during patient interactions and closer screening of visitors. In a statement, the provider said the two physicians responsible for the woman’s care were no longer treating Hacienda patients, with one resigning and the other suspended, and it apologized to the woman and her family.
The charges are allegations, and Nathan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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