A UNC Rex nurse, accused of sexually assaulted two sedated patients, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
Police arrested Brayan Alvarez-Ortiz, 28, on Wednesday. Officers said he was a nurse with UNC Rex and confirmed the two incidents happened in a hospital.
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Police said officers were called to UNC Rex Hospital on Friday, Nov. 21, for a report of a sexual assault. Police said the victim reported that a nurse had sexually assaulted them while they were under the effects of sedatives.
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During their investigation, police said officers identified a second victim connected to the case.
Documents related to the case show the alleged assaults happened on Monday, Nov. 3, and a patient reported them to a nurse on Nov. 19.
Within two days, UNC Rex filed a complaint with the NC Nursing Board. Raleigh police began their investigation Nov. 21, and Alvarez-Ortiz was fired Nov. 25.
According to the NC Nursing Board, Alvarez-Ortiz's nursing license was suspended the next day on Nov. 26.
WRAL News has reached out to UNC Rex officials who say they are “outraged by the allegations,” and their “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 cooperatae 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."UNC Rex statement
Police said Guilford County Sheriff's deputies arrested Alvarez-Ortiz at his home. He is charged with four counts of sexual contact under context of medical treatment, second-degree forcible sex offense, four counts of first-degree kidnapping and four counts of sexual battery.
Alvarez-Ortiz is expected in court on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
Police said the investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Raleigh police department at 919-996-1193 or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org.
Police said officers cannot confirm if there are any other victims at this point, but said there could be more. Police encourage any other victims to come forward.
“We believe you," said Cortney Fisher, a Raleigh Police Trauma Counselor. "We would like you, if you feel comfortable, to come forward. We have support resources for you, and we want to do so in the most trauma informed way.”
UNC Rex said anyone who has concerns or information regarding this case can reach out on a confidential reporting line at 919-784-1800. Someone will contact them as soon as possible to discuss any concerns about this situation.
