Sarasota CNA Sexually Molested Multiple Assisted-Living Patients: Cops

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota healthcare worker is accused of sexually molesting multiple older and disabled residents at multiple assisted-living facilities in the city and Sarasota County, according to police.

Marco Tulio Avila Romero is charged with lewd and lascivious molestation, Sarasota police said in a news release. Romero, a certified nursing assistant, worked at several assisted living facilities in the county before his arrest, police said.

According to police, authorities began investigating Romero on June 30. During the investigation, police said investigators earned Romero targeted victims who could not tell others they were sexually molested.

Romero was arrested Tuesday, police said.

According to authorities, detectives believed there may be more victims and urged them to come forward.

"We are asking the public for their assistance in gathering all information about Romero and any information about additional victims," police said in a statement.

Additional victims and anyone with information about the case should contact Detective Cox at 941-263-6075 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.