A 45-year-old hospital worker is behind bars following accusations of sexually assaulting elderly patients at HCA Florida Westside Hospital. Emerson Jean was arrested on two counts of sexual battery on a helpless person and two counts of battery on a person 65 or older, with added charges of false imprisonment, detailed in records from the Broward jail. NBC Miami reported that Jean had been a patient care technician at the Plantation-based hospital, where the alleged crimes took place.
According to court documents, Jean is accused of sexually battering a 74-year-old woman under the pretense of "cleaning" her. Another patient, a 70-year-old woman, reported an assault in her hospital bed. Not authorized to conduct medical procedures, Jean's arrest follows the assertion by victims that he touched them without consent while they were physically incapable of resistance. Local 10 News included statements from Plantation police describing how Jean touched the 74-year-old's genitals and breasts and would make comments on her looks.
The alleged incidents, happening during vulnerable moments while patients were hospitalized, led to detectives being called to investigate similar circumstances in both cases. In a news release, Plantations Police said they were actively searching for other potential victims. The hospital, having understood the gravity of the alleged infractions, reacted by suspending Jean and restricting his hospital access.
As of Tuesday, Jean remains in custody, held without bond – a status compounded by an immigration hold. In response to the incidents and the ongoing investigation, a spokesperson from HCA Florida Westside Hospital conveyed in a statement that such behavior against patient safety is intolerable. Assisting law enforcement officials, they reaffirmed their commitment to patient well-being and safety, as reported by Local 10 News. Police are urging individuals with information about similar experiences with Jean at the HCA Florida Westside Hospital to come forward and contact Detective William Tighe II at 954-797-2120, emphasizing that tips can be left anonymously via Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
