Male nurses admit having sex in front of a 99-year-old in their care
Two male nurses who had sex whilst caring for a 99-year-old stroke victim have pleaded guilty to a felony charge of inflicting mental suffering on an elder.
The guilty plea was entered by Russel Torralba, 42 and Alfredo V Ruiz, 43.
Sentencing will take place on 30 March.
The case followed an extradition of Torralba to San Diego from Canada.
The men were caught on video, as Torralba was seen fondling Ruiz on CCTV on various occasions in 2011.
The incidents took place in the victim’s room .
Arguing in defence of the two men, attorneys said at a preliminary hearing last year that despite the behaviour being “inappropriate”, it did not mean the female stroke victim was necessarily neglected, that she suffered injuries or that she was aware of what was taking place in the room.
Calling the behaviour “shocking”, Judge Lorna Alksne also dismissed one count of lewd and lascivious behaviour.
