Yuma ER nurse formally charged with 10 counts of sexual assault and abuse

Police says incidents did happen at YRMC

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Regional Medical Center emergency room nurse, Jose Arias, 35, accused of sexually abusing three victims was formally charged today with 10 counts. Charges against Arias include sexual assault, sexual abuse, and vulnerable adult abuse.

Following several alleged assaults, that police say happened at the hospital from December of last year into August of this year. No one would have known if one victim didn't come forward and share their living nightmare with the police.

"He was arrested at YRMC, 2400 South Avenue A. We do have multiple victims that stem from December of 2020 ’til August of 2021," says Yuma Police Department Sergeant Lori Franklin.

News 11's Arlette Yousif previews the Arias arraignment in this livestream report:

Arias' defense attorney says Arias has no criminal history and should be released with an ankle bracelet.

"He’s from a large Mexican-American family that has significant roots here and there’s no intention or desire to leave. He wants to address these allegations and take this case head-on," explains Defense Attorney Kristopher Caifano.

Allegations are intense. Police say the most recent alleged assault took place earlier this month. We do want to warn you that the details listed below are graphic.

Court documents show that the defendant did "knowingly engage in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact without consent."

Another charge lists that the defendant "touched, fondled or manipulated victim’s genitals," but the prosecutor says Arias is a flight risk, citing that he is accused of abusing people in their most vulnerable state.

"Given the high amount of prison time that this defendant faces and proximity to the border and to the state of California, that makes the defendant's situation significant. It makes him a flight risk," says Prosecutor Dallin Marcy.

The defense attorney says Arias is studying to become a nurse practitioner and hopes to clear his name. A victim advocate asked the judge to keep Arias in jail. I have reached out to YRMC, they say they do not have any further comment at this time as the investigation is still open.

Arias is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond and is expected to be back in court on August 24.