A former Cape Coral Hospital nurse is accused of raping a patient. The details are too graphic to reveal, but it paints a picture of abuse at a place where you are most vulnerable.
According to the Department of Health, Jeovanni Hechavarria went inside a 43-year-old patient's room in July 2016 where he allegedly raped her. The report describes he touched her back and told her how pretty she was before forcing himself on her. Hechavarria told the patient not to tell anyone because he knew where she lived and threatened to go back the next night to repeat his actions.
It's been nearly 7 months since the incident happened but Four In Your Corner found Hechavarria has not been arrested for this incident. His last and only arrest in Southwest Florida a week before the alleged Cape Coral Hospital attack.
Cape Coral Police say this is a criminal investigation they have been working on since July.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has placed an emergency restriction-active on his license, which according to the DOH website means Hechavarria may practice in Florida but has certain restrictions.
When Four In Your Corner asked why Hechavarria's license was not suspended, this is what a spokesperson e-mailed as a response:
"If the department, after prosecutors have reviewed a complaint, informs the Surgeon General that a practitioner poses an immediate serious danger to the welfare of public health, she (the Surgeon General) has the authority to immediately suspend or restrict the practitioner’s license until the prosecution has been completed. Emergency suspension or restriction orders are not considered final agency action, but are imposed as specified by Section 120.60(6) and 456.074, Florida Statutes, for serious violations relating to the commission of crimes, standard of care, or drug use, as well as for student loan defaults.A key factor in whether the license is restricted or suspended is the fact that the law requires the department to use the “least restrictive” method of protecting the public.
A key factor in whether the license is restricted or suspended is the fact that the law requires the department to use the “least restrictive” method of protecting the public.
Four In Your Corner also reached out to Cape Coral Hospital to find out if Hechavarria was still working at the hospital, and if so, in what capacity.
Mary Briggs, with Lee Health said Hechavarria was terminated on July 16th, with the following statement:
"Lee Health is deeply disturbed by the alleged conduct of this former employee. The safety and well-being of our patients is our highest priority. All of our employees undergo a thorough background screening process prior to employment, which includes a national and local criminal record search. On the rare occasion when a crime is alleged, we investigate immediately and take the appropriate steps based on the results of our investigation. In this case the employee was immediately terminated. This is a very unfortunate situation, but the actions of this individual are not reflective of the excellent and professional care provided in our hospitals each day."
Four In Your Corner has attempted to reach Mr. Hechavarria on several occasions. He has not returned our calls or messages.
You can count on Four In Your Corner with any new developments of this case.
