Florida Nurse Arrested
A recovery room nurse has been arrested in Palm Beach County after being accused of sexually battering two female patients at a surgical facility in Royal Palm Beach, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities identified the suspect as 34 year old Joel Vega of Lake Worth. He was taken into custody on February 20 and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on two counts of sexual battery. A judge set bond at $25,000 for each charge. Vega was later released under a no contact order with the alleged victims and is scheduled to return to court in March. Investigators said the case began after two separate patients reported alleged misconduct that occurred while they were recovering from procedures. Detectives stated that the women described inappropriate and non consensual contact that allegedly took place under the guise of medical care. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains active and that additional victims may exist.
Surgical Center Identified
The alleged incidents occurred at the Palms Wellington Surgical Center, an ambulatory surgery facility located in Royal Palm Beach. The center is owned by Westside Outpatient Center and provides same day orthopedic and spine procedures. Following the arrest, the facility was temporarily closed. Officials have not publicly detailed the duration of the closure. Law enforcement officials said detectives reviewed complaints and gathered evidence before establishing probable cause for the charges. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone who may have had a similar experience or who may have relevant information to come forward. Prosecutors will now determine how the case proceeds as it moves through the court system.
