Florida recovery nurse accused of sexually battering patients after surgeries

 


PALM BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Detectives are looking for potential additional victims after a nurse was arrested for sexual battery.


According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Joel Vega, 34, is a recovery room nurse at Palms Wellington Surgical Center, located at the 400 block of North State Road 7, Royal Palm Beach.


Detectives launched an investigation after receiving two complaints of sexual battery.


According to arrest papers, the first alleged incident happened on Feb. 5 after the victim had just undergone surgery.


The victim told investigators she was in bed feeling “groggy” and “unable to move or respond” when the nurse put his hands in her underwear.


The second alleged incident happened on Feb. 13 after another victim underwent a procedure.


The victim told investigators the nurse placed his hand inside her underwear and when she “attempted to punch” him, he grabbed her hand and pulled it toward his own pants.


Vega was arrested on Friday on two counts of sexual assault and one count of battery.


Joel Vega, Palm Beach recovery room nurse accused of sexual battery (Credit: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office)


Detectives believe there may be additional victims.


Deputies urge anyone with information or who may have been a victim of Vega to contact Detective L. Alvarez at 561-688-4147, AlvarezL@pbso.org or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.


Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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