A Duke Health nurse is accused of committing sexual crimes against two patients, according to Duke University Campus Police. 

Jomil Uy Tugado, 39, was arrested Thursday for performing sexual acts on two people while they were “incapacitated,” according to arrest warrants. One incident took place in May and the other in December.

He was charged with two felony counts each of sexual contact/penetration under the pretext of medical treatment and sex acts by a government or private institution employee. He was also charged with two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. 

The North Carolina Board of Nursing lists that Tugado is a state registered nurse, with a license that is to expire in February 2027. His license was suspended Thursday following his charges. 

Duke Health officials confirmed that Tugado was removed from patient care and placed on administrative leave on Dec. 7, a day after he allegedly committed the second offense. Duke officials said Tugado began his employment with Duke Health in July 2023.

Duke Health officials said they are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their ongoing investigation. They added that if patients have witnessed or experienced inappropriate conduct at Duke Health, call their hotline at (919) 385-3575. 

“At Duke Health, our top priority is to maintain a safe environment for all patients to receive care,” Duke Health officials wrote. “We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and take all allegations of inappropriate behavior seriously.”

During his first court appearance on Friday, a judge denied Tugado bond. He was scheduled to appear in court on January 6. 

Tugado is the second hospital employee in the Triangle in the last two weeks to be accused of committing sexual crimes against his patients. 

A UNC Rex nurse, 28-year-old Brayan Alvarez-Ortiz is accused of sexually assaulting sedated patients. Raleigh police say he assaulted patients on three separate occasions while they were sedated and recovering from surgery.

“It’s a traumatic experience no matter what the circumstances are, but for a survivor to think that they are going into a situation where the people that are involved are supposed to held to a much higher standard, that they should be safe under any circumstances, it’s terrible for anyone to have to go through,” said Jeff Whitson with domestic and sexual violence prevention non-profit InterAct. 

He encourages any survivor to contact the organization’s 24/7 crisis line number for resources at 919-828-7740.