Nurse Practitioner Who Died Of Overdose Sexually Assaulted 9 Patients While They Were Unconscious

A nurse practitioner who died of an overdose sexually assaulted nine patients at an Iowa hospital while they were sedated, police said.

The assaults came to light while officers were investigating the death of 27-year-old Devin Caraccio, the medical staff provider who died at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center on Oct. 15, 2022. An autopsy revealed that Caraccio, of Centerville, died of an accidental overdose, Sioux City Journal reported.

During the investigation, officers discovered videos and photographs from Caraccio's cell phone showing him sexually assaulting nine female patients in 2021 and 2022, according to statements from Ottumwa police and a hospital spokeswoman.

Police have identified five of the nine victims and are trying to identify the rest, reports said. They believe Caraccio acted alone.

"It is suspected that all of the victims were asleep, or in a state of unconsciousness when the assaults took place," Sgt. Jason Bell, of the Ottumwa Police Department, said in a news release, Des Moines Register reported.

Ottumwa Regional Health Center conducted a separate investigation after police discovered the evidence and confirmed the findings.

"There are no words to describe how shocked and horrified we are by Mr. Caraccio's action. Our hearts go out to all of those affected by these heinous acts," said Cara Clouse, human resources director at the hospital.

"The actions of one person are not reflective of the care and compassion of our staff, and we are committed to supporting and advancing the critical work they do on behalf of this community and patients every day," Clouse said, adding the hospital has made several changes to its internal controls and security measures to prevent such cases in future.

"We will continue to take all available actions to prevent bad actors and ensure a safe environment for our patients, providers, and employees," she added.

In a similar incident, a Florida doctor was arrested last November for sexually assaulting two female patients while they were undergoing cosmetic procedures at his clinic. The suspect, identified as Dr. Eric Salata, allegedly gave the two patients alcohol, laughing gas and sedatives (Xanax) before raping them, reports said.