A male nurse stands accused of sexually assaulting a defenceless female patient suffering from dementia at a prominent Ohio hospital, according to police statements. Joseph Ratcliff, aged 63, was taken into custody on January 23 in Cincinnati and now faces serious charges of rape and sexual battery.
Allegations of Impaired Consent
Court documents cited by local media outline that Ratcliff is alleged to have engaged in sexual conduct with a woman whose ability to resist or provide consent was significantly impaired due to her mental condition. The incident reportedly occurred at Christ Hospital located in the Mt. Auburn neighbourhood of Cincinnati.
Timing and Circumstances of the Alleged Attack
Prosecutors from Hamilton County revealed that the vulnerable patient had just undergone a medical procedure when Ratcliff allegedly entered her room without authorisation and carried out the assault. Authorities emphasised that the nurse had no legitimate reason to be present in the patient's room at that time.
A witness promptly reported the disturbing incident to law enforcement, leading to Ratcliff's arrest on the same day. He is currently being detained at the Hamilton County Justice Centre, with records showing a substantial bond set at $350,000.
Employment Status and Professional Background
Prosecutors clarified that Ratcliff was not directly employed by Christ Hospital when the alleged rape took place. Instead, he was assigned to work at the hospital through DaVita, a major national healthcare company specialising in kidney care services.
Ratcliff holds a registered nursing licence issued in Kentucky, where he resides in Butler, though he is not licensed to practise in Ohio. His nursing career dates back to 1995, according to professional records.
Corporate and Institutional Responses
A spokesperson for DaVita declined to comment specifically on Ratcliff's current employment status but issued a statement emphasising patient safety as their highest priority. The company confirmed taking immediate action upon learning of the situation, though they cited privacy constraints regarding individual personnel matters.
Christ Hospital Health Network released their own statement confirming they had notified the Cincinnati Police Department about a possible crime on their premises. The hospital expressed gratitude towards their staff and police for their swift response while noting they cannot comment further due to the active investigation.
Legal Charges and Judicial Proceedings
Ratcliff faces formal charges of first-degree felony rape and third-degree felony sexual battery, according to Hamilton County Sheriff's Office records. The bond was specifically set at $150,000 for the rape charge and $200,000 for the sexual battery charge, with no percentage reductions permitted.
Both charges fundamentally relate to allegations that the victim's capacity to consent was compromised by her mental condition. Inmate records indicate an additional hold has been placed on Ratcliff, meaning another agency or court is claiming jurisdiction, preventing his release even if bail were posted.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Court Appearance
Ratcliff remains in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Centre with a court appearance scheduled for February 2. As of Tuesday evening, no projected release date was listed, and records did not immediately show legal representation for the accused.
Prosecutors have indicated they do not believe there are additional victims in this case. Media outlets have reached out to relevant authorities and organisations for further commentary as the investigation continues to develop.
