New Jersey hospital worker accused of sexually assaulting incapacitated patient

PLAINSBORO (WABC) -- A New Jersey hospital worker is facing charges after authorities say he sexually assaulted an incapacitated patient at the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey and Plainsboro police Chief Guy Armour on Thursday announced the arrest of 40-year-old patient care technician Richard Smith, of Princeton.

Officials say the investigation determined that Smith lifted the hospital gown of an incapacitated 25-year-old female patient and improperly touched her. Hospital officials called police after being notified of the alleged sexual assault.

Smith began working at the hospital in May. Prior to that, he was employed at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton, and earlier, at a private medical practice in Princeton.

Smith is charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact and criminal sexual contact.

He is being held on $200,000 bail.

The investigation is active and is continuing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Plainsboro Police Department at (609) 454-4912 or the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at (732) 745-3652.