Defense tries to lower bail for Yuma nurse accused of molesting patients
Prosecutors ask judge to raise bond to $1,000,000
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Attorneys for a Yuma nurse facing sexual assault charges on Thursday mounted an attempt to get their client's bail lowered so he can get out of jail.
Jose Arias is accused of molesting three male patients while they were in his care. Court documents include allegations of fondling and oral sex on the men while they were incapacitated. Arias remains jailed on a $200,000 bond.
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Arias' public defender believes the bail's too high. He asked Judge Roger Nelson to lower it to $100,000, arguing the crimes do not involve children. The attorney also told the court Arias has surrendered his nursing license.
In addition, he pointed out his client's long history in the community. Arias has lived in Yuma for 25-years, has family here, and owns a home here with his husband.
Prosecutors, however, wanted the judge to raise the bond amount to $1,000,000. They say Arias abused a position of trust when he abused patients in their most vulnerable state. They also claimed his release would give him a chance to reoffend.
In the end, Judge Nelson kept his bail at $200,000.
Arias returns to court on November 1st.
