An Orlando nurse has been taken into custody on multiple counts related to sexual battery and misconduct with an underage patient. Fernando Ortiz-Marrero, 33, was a nurse at the University Behavioral Center when the alleged multiple assaults of a 16-year-old girl took place. According to WFTV's report, the girl had been admitted two days before the initial investigation by the authorities.
Detectives were alerted to the case on June 28 after the facility’s administrators had been informed of the possible assaults. Infamously, a co-worker caught him adjusting his pants after exiting the victim's room, an area where staff should not be alone with patients. The victim subsequently outlined that Marrero had allegedly assaulted her several times within the following few days. "The girl had been admitted to UBC on June 26. Hours after her arrival, witnesses told detectives Marrero was overheard talking about his interest in her and followed her into the bathroom, where he assaulted her for the first time," according to a statement obtained by WFTV.
The former nurse, who claimed the girl "came onto" him, acknowledged that he was in the wrong, which may pose a challenge for his defense, as stated by Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas, who is not representing Marrero. "We have someone who’s 16 years old who cannot give consent, legal consent, to anyone over 23 years old. So the age difference is a big concern here," Rivas told WPXI. Marrero now faces six charges, including sexual battery of a minor under his custody, which could lead to life imprisonment.
Following the incident, UBC terminated Marrero's employment, and an arrest warrant was issued. The facility CEO stated, "The individual referenced was terminated from University Behavioral Center (UBC). We cannot offer any additional information on employment-related matters," during an inquiry by WESH. Marrero, who has been a licensed nurse in the field since 2017 without prior disciplinary actions or a criminal history in Orange or Osceola counties, is currently being held without bond. The arrest also spurred a call for any other victims to come forward.
