Ex-Cape nurse accused of raping woman in hospital bed

CAPE CORAL, Fla.  A former Cape Coral Hospital nurse is accused of raping a patient in her hospital bed.

A criminal investigation into the woman’s allegations is underway, the Cape Coral Police Department said, but no arrest has been made.

Port Charlotte resident Jeovanni Hechavarria, 35, of 20251 Albury Drive, was fired on July 16, one day after the rape is alleged to have taken place.

“Lee Health is deeply disturbed by the alleged conduct of this former employee,” said Mary Briggs, a spokeswoman for the company that operates the hospital. “This is a very unfortunate situation, but the actions of this individual are not reflective of the excellent and professional care provided in our hospitals each day.”

The Florida Department of Health has barred him from working with female patients at any hospital unless a supervisor is present.

Hechavarria is also accused of threatening the victim that he would rape her again and warning her not to tell anyone what happened, according to Health Department documents.