Pa. medical assistant allegedly posed as nurse, sexually assaulted patients, and secretly taped them
04/18/2024 11:49 am PDT
JENKINTOWN, Pa. (TCD) -- A 33-year-old medical assistant faces charges after he allegedly posed as a nurse, conducted pelvic exams, and watched female patients undress.
A victim first came forward to the Abington Police Department on March 1. The woman reportedly said she went to a local Carbon Health Urgent Care for a drug test when Ramon Garcia told her to urinate into a cup. Garcia allegedly told the woman she was "randomly selected to 'be observed'" and then watched her as she undressed and urinated into a test cup. Following the drug screening, Garcia reportedly gave the woman his phone number and asked her out.
A second woman came forward on March 10, alleging Garcia inappropriately touched her during an exam at the same Carbon Health Urgent Care. According to police, the second victim told investigators Garcia referred to himself as a nurse and led her to an exam room, where he told her to take off her clothes.
Garcia allegedly "conducted a pelvic exam, penetrating her with his fingers." The second victim reportedly said Garcia told her to take off her pants again and then touched her inappropriately a second time.
According to officers, Garcia allegedly "moved his head towards her pelvic area," and the victim said no and put her clothes back on. Garcia reportedly asked the woman if she was dating anyone or if she "had any fantasies." Similar to the first victim, Garcia allegedly provided the second victim with his phone number.
Investigators learned Garcia worked as a medical assistant. His duties included "signing in patients, taking vital signs and, if directed by a physician, to take blood samples." He was not permitted to have patients undress, and he was not supposed to perform examinations or observe urine tests.
Detectives initially arrested Garcia on March 11 at Carbon Health on charges of second-degree aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and two counts of invasion of privacy.
According to a recent statement from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, following Garcia’s arrest, officials learned there were 12 additional alleged victims. Garcia now faces 24 felony and misdemeanor criminal charges.
Garcia allegedly conducted "two physical exams of the vagina and surrounding areas." He also reportedly "performed a hands-on breast exam" and "watched as patients changed into medical gowns."
Investigators allege Garcia took photos of patients’ bodies and put their hands on his leg and groin area while taking blood. Additionally, Garcia allegedly photographed and videotaped patients while they were in exam rooms and the restrooms at his place of work.
The district attorney’s office alleges that in addition to giving his phone number to numerous patients, Garcia "made inappropriate comments about them and their bodies."
Garcia appeared in court for his arraignment on April 11, and a judge set his bail at $150,000 cash on top of his previous bail of $99,000. He remains held in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said, "This defendant, who was not a nurse, took advantage of the trust that patients extend to true medical professionals by assaulting and violating them."
He continued, "I commend these victims — as well as the first two victims who came forward — for having the courage to go to police to share what happened to them."
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