February 05, 2019 - 9:01 AM
PHOENIX - The Latest on a man accused of raping an incapacitated woman (all times local):
9:55 a.m.
A lawyer representing a man accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix says his client will present a full legal defence.
Attorney David Gregan made a brief statement to reporters after 36-year-old Nathan Sutherland pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of sexual abuse and abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Gregan says he'll make sure Sutherland's rights are respected.
He declined further comment.
Authorities say Sutherland was working as a nurse at Hacienda Healthcare in Phoenix when he raped the 29-year-old victim.
Investigators say Sutherland's DNA matched a sample from the victim's child.
Gregan has previously said there was no direct evidence linking Sutherland to the crime.
___
9:25 a.m.
A nurse accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge.
The hearing for Nathan Sutherland Tuesday only lasted a few minutes, with him identifying himself and stating his date of birth.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Authorities say Sutherland raped the 29-year-old victim at the Hacienda HealthCare facility.
Hacienda workers said they didn't know the woman was pregnant.
Investigators say Sutherland's DNA matched a sample from the woman's newborn, though Sutherland's attorney says there's no direct evidence linking Sutherland to the crime.
___
11:50 p.m.
A nurse charged with sexually assaulting an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix is scheduled to enter a plea Tuesday at an arraignment hearing.
Authorities say Nathan Sutherland raped the 29-year-old victim at the Hacienda HealthCare facility.
Hacienda workers said they didn't know the woman was pregnant.
Investigators say Sutherland's DNA matched a sample from the woman's newborn, though Sutherland's attorney says there's no direct evidence linking Sutherland to the rape.
Sutherland is charged with sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.
He has since given up his nursing license.
The Dec. 29 birth triggered reviews by state agencies, highlighted safety concerns for patients who are severely disabled or incapacitated and prompted the resignations of Hacienda's chief executive and one of the victim's doctors.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019