A nurse identified as 40-year-old Lauro Gonzales Jr. was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of sexually assaulting an unconscious patient under his care.
The department’s Special Victims Unit launched an investigation after receiving reports of inappropriate conduct by a hospital employee.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Gonzales was later stopped on Interstate 15 near Temescal Canyon Road and taken into custody. He was booked on charges of sexual penetration of an unconscious person.
A subsequent search of Gonzales’ residence uncovered additional evidence. Authorities believe there may be more victims, as Gonzales is known to have worked in multiple hospitals across the Riverside area.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim is urged to contact the Riverside Sheriff’s Office at (951) 955-1718 or (951) 776-1099.
