Florida hospital patient accused of raping another, disabled patient

Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Florida authorities charged a 33-year-old hospital patient with raping another patient who is unable to walk and couldn't defend herself.

Charles Tarver was charged with sexual assault after the alleged incident at Florida Medical Center on Wednesday.

Tarver and the female patient were both being treated at FMC and they did not know each other.

According to the Broward Sheriff's Office report, Tarver entered the woman's hospital room without her consent, groped her, and then raped her despite her pleas to stop.

"The safety and security of our patients is a top priority,” said hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Evans. “As soon as we became aware of this allegation, it was immediately reported and we are fully cooperating with the authorities. We are committed to providing quality care for all of our patients.”

Tarver was being held in Broward County Main Jail on a $50,000 bond. While setting his bail amount, Broward County Judge John "Jay" Hurley referenced that Tarver’s criminal history includes charges of grand theft auto, aggravated battery and battery on a law enforcement officer.

[Sun Sentinel]