Brayan Alvarez Ortiz, 28, a traveling nurse, has been accused of sexually assaulting sedated patients at UNC Rex Hospital. Police believe there may be more victims and are encouraging them to come forward. As a general policy, The N&O does not publish police mug shots. We are publishing this photo as it may help other victims.
Raleigh Police Department
RALEIGH
Prosecutors have identified a third victim in the case of a UNC Rex Hospital nurse accused of sexually assaulting patients who were recovering from surgery.
Brayan Alvarez Ortiz, 28, appeared in Wake County District Court Thursday via a feed from jail, where he is being held without bond.
Police charged Ortiz Wednesday with sexual contact under the context of medical treatment, second-degree sex offense and sexual battery due to reports of assault in November. Officers spoke to a Rex patient who had been under anesthesia and soon found a second who reported being touched while sedated.
On Thursday, Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Pomeroy said her office learned of a third victim less than 24 hours after police asked patients to come forward. All of them were recovering from surgery.
“The defendant was sexually abusing patients who were incredibly vulnerable,” she said.
Pomeroy added Ortiz is in the United States on a green card and that his case will involve immigration issues.
First-degree kidnapping charges have been added to Ortiz’s case, and Pomeroy said more charges relating to the new victim will be added Friday.
Ortiz spoke over a telephone and said only that he had hired an attorney. Defense counsel Seth Blum said he has not asked for a reduction in Ortiz’s bond because all the charges have not yet been filed.
“It’s very early days,” he said outside the courtroom. “There’s a lot of information still to come out.”
UNC Health spokesman Alan Wolf said Ortiz joined the Rex staff in 2019, put himself through nursing school and had only become a nurse this summer. He is no longer employed with the health system, Wolf said.
The NC Nursing Board suspended Ortiz’ registered nurse license after a complaint on Nov. 21, records show. The report said Ortiz had improperly touched the genitals of two male patients after removing Foley catheters, which go into the urethra.
Raleigh police and prosecutors have referred to Ortiz as a traveling nurse. Blum could not clarify that Thursday.
“I don’t know what a traveling nurse is,” he said.
Rex has set up a confidential reporting phone line where patients or family members can share information. Someone will contact them as soon as possible to discuss any concerns about this situation. The number is (919) 784-1800.
Josh Shaffer
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