Michael Hilliard, 65, has been indicted on four felony charges, including two counts of third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of a newly established felony under D.C. law. These charges stem from allegations of sexually assaulting a nurse at George Washington University Hospital. Hilliard, a repeat sex offender with no fixed address, faces legal consequences under the Secure D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office release.
The indictment follows an incident on September 26, 2024, in which Hilliard is accused of forcibly groping a nurse during a medical procedure. The victim was drawing his blood when Hilliard, after requesting to sit on the bed, grabbed her in a bear hug and assaulted her. Hilliard has a history of similar offenses, with more than three prior convictions for misdemeanor sexual abuse, the most recent in December 2023.
Hilliard’s indictment includes charges under a new category for enhanced misdemeanor sexual abuse, which is now a felony under the changes made by the D.C. Council. This update, part of the Secure D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act passed last year, aims to ensure repeat offenders face felony charges for their ongoing criminal behavior. The law was designed to close a loophole that allowed repeat offenders to avoid felony charges despite a history of similar crimes.
The case is currently pending competency proceedings and is being handled by the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Houck. As Hilliard remains in custody, the public is reminded that "an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
