Nursing Attendant Accused Of Sexual Assault At Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 25-year-old nursing attendant has been accused of sexually assaulting a patient at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center earlier this week.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Special Victims Bureau is investigating after the alleged victim complained to the hospital, which in turn contacted authorities.
Officials say the assault took place Wednesday in one of the hospital's exam rooms while the patient was on a gurney awaiting a medical procedure.
"It's a very sad set of circumstances. Anyone who is seeking medical help or attention is probably in an exceptionally vulnerable position and for something like this to occur is certainly a very serious event," Lt. Steve Katz said.
The suspect has been identified as Terrence Tekoh.
Officials said Tekoh was employed by "Cross Country Per Diem," a company that contracts medical personnel to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.
Tekoh was reportedly tasked with performing MRIs and had worked at the medical center since July 2012.
He was terminated, arrested and charged with sexual penetration with a foreign object, according to the sheriff's department.
Tekoh was booked at East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station and released after posting $100,000 bail.
His first court appearance is scheduled for April 10 in the criminal courts building.
Officials are also asking any other possible victims to come forward.
