Hospital Worker Suspected of Sex Assaults

At least three cases are under investigation

An employee at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills was arrested Thursday on suspicion that he assaulted three female patients.

Investigators say the suspect targeted women who were recovering in the hospital. Narcisco Blando was supposed to be caring for the patients, but instead, investigators say he took advantage of at least three women.

"He was rubbing cream on her ankles because she was in pain," said Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino, referring to one of the allegations. "Then he moved his hand up and touched her between the legs."

The first incident happened Monday night at Saddleback Memorial. Authorities say three hours later, Blando went into another room, and allegedly began stroking the face and hair of a 50 year old woman who was asleep at the time.

A third patient inside the Laguna Hills facility was also touched by the suspect, but prosecutors are trying to determine if they will file charges in all of the cases.

Hospital officials say they are working closely with the Sheriff's Department on the investigation. They say the employee in question was immediately suspended, pending further investigation.

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