A Tennessee man faces sexual assault charges after allegedly attacking a patient at a Phelps County hospital.
James Todd, 42, of Ripley, Tennessee, has been charged with two counts of first-degree sodomy or attempt, one count of first-degree rape or attempt, and one count of first-degree sexual abuse, according to court documents.
The Rolla Police Department says officers were dispatched to Phelps Health Hospital at approximately 12:30 a.m. on June 5 following a report of a sexual assault in the emergency room.
Upon arriving at the scene, the victim told police that Todd, a contract nurse at the facility, had sexually assaulted her while she was being treated in the emergency room.
In her interview with investigators, the victim said she had arrived at the hospital around 8:15 p.m. on June 4 for low potassium levels. After being transported by ambulance to her room, Todd entered and placed an IV in her arm — then allegedly carried out the assault. The victim noted that Todd was not wearing a name tag at the time.
When police later interviewed Todd, he described the victim as “very intoxicated and belligerent” upon first contact, with a blood alcohol level of 0.344. He denied any inappropriate contact, telling investigators that his actions were limited to standard nursing care, according to the probable cause statement.
Investigators obtained security footage from a Phelps Health officer, which police say captures the alleged sexual acts committed by Todd against the victim.
Todd is currently being held in the Phelps County Jail without bond.