A nurse practitioner who died of a drug overdose at a private Iowa hospital sexually assaulted at least nine female patients after drugging them, hospital officials and police said.
The newspaper reportedOttumwa CourierWednesday, the assaults, which took place at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center, were discovered during investigations into the death of Devin Michael Caraccio, 27, of Centerville, who worked at the hospital.
Police said the autopsy report concluded that Caraccio died of an accidental overdose in hospital on October 15, 2022.
During separate investigations into his death, police and the hospital found video recordings and photos on Carraccio’s personal cell phone that showed he sexually assaulted patients between 2021 and 2022, Ottumwa police and a hospital spokeswoman said in a statement released Tuesday.
Jason Bell, an Ottumwa Police Lieutenant, said five of the nine victims have been identified and investigators are seeking to identify the others.
The assaults took place while patients were sedated or unconscious, and police believe Caraccio was acting alone.
“There are no words to describe the extent of shock and horror we feel at Caraccio’s actions,” said Kara Close, director of human resources at the hospital. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by these heinous acts.”
She added that the hospital has made many changes to internal controls and security procedures, and will work to ensure a safe environment for patients, service providers and employees.
“The actions of one person do not reflect the care and compassion of our employees. We are committed to supporting and developing the critical work they do on behalf of this community and patients every day.”
