Hospital worker arrested after alleged sexual abuse to teen patient
Police say 36-year-old Trever Lauriano, a nurse's aide at Good Samaritan Hospital, was arrested Friday after a coworker reported the alleged sexual abuse.
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A Good Samaritan Hospital employee has been arrested and terminated after authorities say he inappropriately touched a teenage patient at the hospital's behavioral health unit.
According to Suffolk County police, 36-year-old Trever Lauriano, a nurse's aide at Good Samaritan Hospital, was arrested Friday after a coworker reported the alleged sexual abuse.
Investigators say the incident happened on Aug. 3, when Lauriano allegedly inappropriately touched a 15-year-old girl who was a patient in the behavioral health unit.
Court documents allege Lauriano touched the teenager under her clothing. Prosecutors say the girl made a noise, prompting Lauriano to leave the room.
The allegations have shocked community members.
"It's not something you ever want to see anywhere, especially in a hospital," said West Islip resident Jason Hand. "And hopefully they screen people like that out ahead of time next time around."
Laura Ahearn, executive director and CEO of the Crime Victims Center of Suffolk and Nassau counties, said cases like this highlight the importance of vigilance and accountability.
"They put themselves in positions of trust where they can access potential victims…" Ahearn said.
In a statement to News 12, Good Samaritan Hospital said: “Upon learning of this incident, the individual was immediately placed on administrative leave while an investigation was conducted, resulting in termination of employment. We take these matters very seriously. The safety of our patients remains our top priority.”
Lauriano was charged with sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.
He was held on bail following his arraignment.
Police are asking any potential victims or anyone with information about the case to contact the Suffolk County Police Department's Special Victims Section.
Ahearn said strong reporting policies are critical when professionals violate the trust placed in them.
"The bottom line is that you trust people within the boundaries of what their role is, and when somebody is a professional and they go outside of those boundaries, the best we can do is respond with a strong reporting policy," Ahearn said.
Lauriano is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 4.
