An Arizona hospital worker collapsed in court after being told he could face up to 100 years in prison on child sexual exploitation charges, forcing the hearing to be halted as medics rushed to revive him.
Joshua James Lozano, 42, who cleans surgical equipment at a medical facility in Arizona, appeared for his initial hearing on the morning of September 19 after his arrest on September 10. Detectives were tipped off by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who reported that illicit content was being accessed through Lozano's internet service provider between April and May 2026, prompting an investigation into his online activity.
Arrest and investigation
Police issued search warrants, tracing an account, phone number and IP address back to Lozano, who has lived in Glendale, Arizona with his wife for eight years, linking him to the disturbing material. He was arrested last Thursday, according to Fox 10.
Prosecutors demanded a $150,000 (£112,000) bail for Lozano, citing safety concerns for local youth and alleging that he was communicating with underage minors online.
Dramatic collapse in court
Lozano was told he potentially faced 10 consecutive felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor - a combination that could add up to a 100-year sentence if he is convicted of all charges. Upon hearing that each count carries a potential 10-year sentence to be served consecutively, Lozano collapsed at the podium.
The hearing was abruptly halted as medics revived the 42-year-old, before he was returned to police custody. The medical emergency forced the judge to legally recess the proceeding past the standard 24-hour deadline, citing extraordinary circumstances.
Bail denied and custody
Lozano's attorney, Michael Tamou, appealed to the court to reduce his client's bail to $50,000 (£37,000), citing his local community ties, despite his prior arrest history of driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license. The plea was rejected, with the judge setting Lozano's bond at $150,000.
Even if the hospital worker posts bail, he is banned from contacting minors, being in possession of a smartphone or accessing the internet, and will be required to wear an electronic monitor. Lozano remains in custody and is set to reappear in court for a further hearing on September 21.
