Nurse at Hampton Veteran's Administration Hospital Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Patient

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Juan M. Lopez, 52, of Virginia Beach, was convicted today by a federal jury on charges of aggravated sexual assault and making a false statement to a federal agent.

Lopez was indicted on July 22, 2015. According to court records and evidence presented during three days of trial, on September 20, 2014, Lopez was a nurse in the emergency department of the Hampton Veteran’s Administration Hospital. The victim, who suffers from PTSD related to a prior military rape and two traumatic brain injuries sought treatment in the emergency room for a leg injury. Lopez was responsible for the victim’s treatment and administered morphine against her wishes. While the victim was under the effect of the morphine, Lopez sexually assaulted the victim multiple times. When questioned by federal agents five days later he lied about the event.

Following the trial Lopez was taken into custody.  Lopez faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on May 19, 2016.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Jeremy Jehangiri from the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:15cr14.