Juan M. Lopez, Aggravated Sexual Assault, Virginia 2016

Nurse Convicted of Aggravated Sexual Assault in Virginia

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Juan M. Lopez, 52, of Virginia Beach, was convicted today by a federal jury on charges of aggravated sexual assault and making a false statement to a federal agent.

The crime took place on September 20, 2014, at the Hampton Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, where Lopez was a nurse in the emergency department. According to court records and evidence presented during three days of trial, Lopez administered morphine to a patient who suffers from PTSD related to a prior military rape and two traumatic brain injuries, against her wishes. While the victim was under the effect of the morphine, Lopez sexually assaulted the victim multiple times. When questioned by federal agents five days later, Lopez lied about the event.

The indictment on Lopez was handed down on July 22, 2015.

Following the trial, Lopez was taken into custody. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on May 19, 2016, the maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Jeremy Jehangiri from the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:15cr14.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/nurse-hampton-veterans-administration-hospital-convicted-sexually-assaulting-patient