Covington police are urging local residents and healthcare workers to speak up after learning that a travel nurse arrested in Missouri has ties to the area. Detectives say anyone who had contact with the nurse should call the department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-1261. The outreach follows an arrest in Rolla, Missouri, where investigators say a patient was sexually assaulted in an emergency room.
According to ABC17 News, court documents identify the suspect as James H. Todd, 42, of Ripley, Tennessee. He was booked on alleged felony counts that include two counts of first-degree sodomy, one count of first-degree rape, and one count of first-degree sexual abuse. ABC17 reports that the alleged victim was in the emergency department for low potassium when the incident occurred and that security footage reportedly captured the contact. Todd denied the accusations in an interview, the outlet noted, and he remained detained on a no-bond warrant after his June arrest.
In a statement to FOX13 Memphis, Covington Police Chief Donna Turner said, "Our detectives are prepared to review any information provided and coordinate with the appropriate law enforcement agencies as needed." The department is asking anyone who may have worked with or been treated by the nurse to come forward so investigators can determine whether local patients or staff were affected.
KXEO reported that Phelps Health removed the contract nurse from duty and is cooperating with investigators. Local reporting indicates the suspect was working as a travel clinician at the hospital, and court documents describe an allegedly intoxicated patient who was sexually assaulted in the ER. Authorities say they are still piecing together where the nurse may have been assigned and are asking for any records, messages, or footage that could help the investigation.
Legal Status and Next Steps
The charges against Todd are allegations and will be resolved in court, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Court records and local coverage show an initial appearance was scheduled after his June arrest, according to ABC17 News. Prosecutors will review the investigation and determine whether additional charges are warranted as detectives gather tips from both Tennessee and Missouri.
How to Help
Anyone who had contact with the nurse, noticed suspicious behavior, or has video, messages, or appointment records is asked to call the Covington Police Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-1261. The Covington city website lists that number and notes that tips can also be submitted via the department’s Facebook Messenger or the city portal. Investigators say they will coordinate across jurisdictions to verify assignments and follow up on credible leads.
The outreach underscores the difficulty of tracking short-term healthcare workers who move between facilities. Covington detectives say tips, even small details like an assignment date or a text message, could help them build a clearer timeline. This story will be updated as authorities release new information.
