Nursing Asst. Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Hospital Patient: SC

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A 46-year-old certified nursing assistant was arrested Friday on charges of sexually assaulting a female patient in the emergency department at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, and investigators believe there may be more victims elsewhere.

Peter Francis Dunne of Santa Cruz was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on felony charges of assault with intent to rape, sexual assault with force, and oral copulation, according to Santa Cruz County sheriff's Sgt. Dee Baldwin.

The alleged assault in the hospital's emergency department took place in late March 2019 and was reported to law enforcement the following day, according to Baldwin.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Dunne on August 30; he was picked up at his home and booked into jail with bail set at $100,000, Baldwin said.

Sheriff’s investigators are searching for additional victims, witnesses, or any other information relating to crimes involving Dunne. Detectives believe he had access to additional patients outside of the hospital facility.

If you have any information, contact Sgt. Chris Shearer at (831) 454-7645.