Nurse accused of sexual assault accepts plea deal

Nurse accused of sexual assault accepts plea deal

A nurse facing sexual assault allegations won’t be going to jail after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge Tuesday.

Rene Martinez was accused of fondling a patient at Palm Springs General Hospital in Hialeah in September.

The patient, who asked not to be identified, recorded the incident on his cellphone.

“The phone is my witness to everything that happens,” the patient told Local 10 News.

That video appeared to be the state’s best evidence against Martinez.

But in a surprise move, the man who accused Martinez of assaulting him signed off on a plea agreement.

Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor battery and received one year of probation.

“Well, that says that perhaps the allegations on the sexual counts were not as strong as perhaps was initially thought,” Martinez’s attorney, Salvino Jauregui, said. “All sexual charges have been dismissed. That’s completely gone. All that we’re left with is a misdemeanor simple battery, which is basically an unconsented-to touching of some kind.”

Martinez and Palm Springs General Hospital are still facing a civil lawsuit.

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If you, a friend or a family member find themselves in a situation such as this, please call the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A. at 305 670-3330 right away. Scott A. Ferris, Esq. is a licensed criminal law attorney who has been practicing law since 1987. He is available whenever you need him to defend your rights. Please learn about our firm at www.FerrisLawFirm.com.