Florida Hospital Technician Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Elderly Patient, Allegedly
Plantation, Florida - Emerson Jean, a 45-year-old patient care technician at HCA Westside Hospital, has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a 70-year-old patient. The charges against Jean include sexual battery of a helpless person, false imprisonment, and battery upon a person 65 years of age or older.
The incident occurred on May 29 when officers from the Plantation Police Department responded to the hospital located at 8201 W. Broward Blvd. The victim accused Jean of digitally penetrating her as she lay in her hospital bed. According to a probable cause affidavit, Jean was already a suspect in a separate case with similar allegations.
The elderly woman told detectives she was admitted to the hospital on Memorial Day for stomach pain. Jean, along with a male nurse, had introduced themselves earlier. Later, when she tried to move to relieve her pain, Jean returned to her room and insisted on performing a pelvic examination.
Jean allegedly lifted her bedsheet and attempted to go up her underwear. When that failed, he pulled them down and forcibly penetrated her with his fingers. The victim, unable to move or call for help, described Jean laying his body over hers, making it impossible for her to push him away.
Breaking down in tears during her statement, the woman cried out, "I’m an old lady, why would he do this to me?"
After Jean left the room, the victim reported the assault to a doctor, who then informed hospital staff. When Jean returned, a nurse sternly informed him that he was not to come near the patient again. Jean claimed the woman had requested the examination, but nurses confirmed he had neither the reason nor the credentials to perform such an exam. The hospital subsequently put Jean on leave.
A statement from HCA Florida Westside Hospital read: “At HCA Florida Westside Hospital, we do not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes the well-being and safety of our patients. Once we learned of the allegations, we suspended the individual from all duties and restricted their access to the hospital premises. We are assisting law enforcement with their investigation.”
Plantation police are investigating additional potential cases of sexual misconduct involving Jean between January and May. Employed at the hospital since 2021, Jean remains under investigation.
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