An employee at the Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center in Oakland Park has been taken into custody under the suspicion of sexually assaulting a patient. Jeff Doresca, a 37-year-old technician was arrested after a female patient, who checked herself into the facility for schizophrenia and depression treatment, reported being sexually battered. Broward Sheriff's Office spokesperson Claudinne Caro told WSVN, "In the evening of February 16th. Jeff Doresca, who works as a tech at this facility, sexually battered her several times."
Authorities believe that there might be more victims, as Doresca had access to patients at times when they were most vulnerable, in particular during his rounds which he conducted every 15 minutes to check on patients' well-being. Despite the belief that the 32-year-old woman was in a state, unable to resist due to medication, Doresca claimed in his defense that she pressured him into the act and threatened his job. A prosecutor in the case remarked during the hearing, “It would appear that Mr. Doresca was looking after some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and took advantage of that and violated the trust of one patient,” as recounted by WSVN.
Evidence from the crime site corroborates the victim's account, including statements from her roommate who witnessed some of the incidents. According to the arrest report mentioned by Local 10 News, BSO Special Victims Unit Detective Dimos Charoudis pointed out CCTV footage that showed Doresca entering and leaving the patient's room multiple times, "He was not thinking straight when he had sex with a helpless victim." Doresca admitted to law enforcement according to the arrest report. He now faces multiple counts of sexual battery on a helpless victim.
Detectives, worried about the presence of additional victims, are urging individuals who suspect they may have been assaulted by Doresca to come forward. Claudinne Caro urged, “Detectives fear that he may have done this to other women or other people, so if anyone suspects or knows or thinks that perhaps they were a victim of this man, detectives ask that they come forward and speak with them,” as noted by WSVN. Those with information are encouraged to reach out to BSO’s Special Victims Unit or provide anonymous tips through Broward Crime Stoppers. The hotline numbers provided are 954-321-4243 for the SVU, and 954-493-TIPS for Crime Stoppers. As the investigation continues, Doresca remains in custody at the Broward County Jail without bond.
