Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said the man was responsible for providing care to the woman who gave birth on Dec. 29.
(NEWS 8) - A 36-year-old licensed practical nurse at Hacienda Healthcare was arrested on a sexual assault charge after a patient with significant intellectual disabilities gave birth at the Phoenix facility.
Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said police believe the suspect, identified as Nathan Sutherland, is responsible for sexually assaulting the woman who gave birth on Dec. 29.
On Jan. 8, Phoenix police served a search warrant for the DNA of male Hacienda Healthcare employees. Police said a match was discovered between Sutherland and the baby Tuesday.
Williams called the crime an "unspeakable act" and said the department was working nonstop on the case she referred to as the "highest priority for the department."
Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams said "we took this crime to heart."
"This is a facility you should feel safe in and someone wasn't," she said.
Police said Sutherland is a licensed practical nurse who has worked at Hacienda Healthcare since 2011 and was employed there as of Tuesday.
According to police, he was responsible for providing care for the woman during the time she was sexually assaulted.
Sutherland was taken into custody Tuesday evening and booked on one count of sexual assault and one count of vulnerable adult abuse.
Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Tommy Thompson said he believes the baby is out of the hospital and is "doing quite well."
The investigation is ongoing, Phoenix police said. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness.
