CA- Police: Nursing Assistant May Have Fondled Other Patients

12-11-2008 California:

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Investigators asked for the public's help Tuesday to determine if a certified nursing assistant accused of fondling two female patients in an Anaheim nursing home has committed similar acts elsewhere.

Alejandro Arias, 35, of Cypress, is jailed while awaiting trial on six felonies and one misdemeanor charge stemming from allegations that he touched the breast of an 84-year-old woman and forced her to touch his genitals in April, said Anaheim police Sgt. Rick Martinez.

Arias is also accused of similar acts involving a 60-year-old woman while working at the nursing home in the 100 block of Knott Avenue.

"We have reason to believe there may be other victims who have not reported their assaults," Martinez said.

Arias, who has been a certified nursing assistant for about two years, was arrested Nov. 24.

The 84-year-old woman reported the alleged touching a few months ago while she was institutionalized, prompting an investigation, Martinez said.

In July, the 60-year-old alleged victim made her accusations, the sergeant said.

Arias is charged with felony sexual battery on an institutionalized person, attempted sexual battery, sexual penetration with a foreign object, two counts of sexual penetration of an institutionalized person and sexual battery by touching. He also was charged with misdemeanor touching of an institutionalized person.

His next court appearance is Dec. 11 for a pretrial hearing. ..News Source.. by