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Employee at SLC rehab facility accused of sexually abusing patient

Posted at 3:49 PM, Mar 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-10 22:23:26-05

SALT LAKE CITY — A man was booked into jail on one count of forcible sexual abuse after a patient at a nursing home and rehab facility told police he took advantage of her while bathing her.

Jorge L. Vera, 63 of Salt Lake City, was indicted Wednesday on one count of forcible sexual abuse.

Charging documents say the patient, a 64-year-old woman, was recovering from surgery at St. Joseph’s Villa in Salt Lake City from November 10 through November 21 of 2017.

The woman told police that Vera would remain in her room during her baths and would use a wash cloth to bathe her. She told police she felt the man spent too much time washing her in intimate places, used too much pressure and let his hand “linger” too long. She said she felt very uncomfortable and pulled away from the man.

Charging documents state Vera initially denied touching the woman, but later stated that he washed between her legs after she asked him to do so.

Vera was booked into jail Friday on one count of forcible sexual abuse as a second-degree felony.

Brent Wilson sent Fox 13 this statement on behalf of St. Joseph’s Villa:

“In light of the laws regarding confidentiality of patient information, we are unable to comment on the allegations raised in connection with this matter. Likewise, and while the Facility acknowledges that Mr. Vera has been in its employ, it is not in a position to discuss further the specifics of his tenure with St. Joseph. However, St. Joseph wishes to reiterate that it is committed to ensuring the delivery of quality health care in a safe environment, and takes seriously its obligations as a provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitation in this community. The Facility would not retain someone as its employee if it knew that the individual had engaged in the kind of misconduct that has been alleged in this instance.”