Kissimmee Nurse Accused of Groping Paralyzed Patient Off Anesthesia

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Carlos Herrera, 45, a nurse at AdventHealth Celebration hospital in Kissimmee, was arrested March 26 on charges of abusing a disabled adult without great bodily harm and committing a lewd or lascivious act, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.[1][2] The incident occurred March 16 in the recovery room after the female patient underwent a medical procedure. Deputies responded to a report from the victim, who stated she was conscious but paralyzed, unable to move or open her eyes due to lingering anesthesia effects.[1] According to the sheriff’s affidavit, Herrera approached the patient after she failed to respond to his calls. He allegedly reached through the neck opening of her hospital gown and grabbed her breast, squeezing it about three times.[1][2] The victim immediately opened her eyes upon feeling the contact. Herrera reportedly said, “Oh, hey, do you normally sleep on your side? I was just trying to move you to lie flat,” before leaving the room.[1] She then alerted another nurse and her husband, who took a photo that aided investigators; Herrera was arrested 10 days later.[2] AdventHealth Celebration issued a statement emphasizing patient safety as its highest priority and affirmed it takes such concerns seriously.[1][2] The hospital, located in the heart of Osceola County’s booming medical corridor near Walt Disney World, serves thousands of Central Florida residents annually. Herrera bonded out of jail following his arrest.[2] No updates on court proceedings were immediately available as of April 23.