- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Royal Palm Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Recovery Room Nurse Charged with Sexual Battery on Patients
Arrest report details allegations of inappropriate touching and restraint of female patients at Palms Wellington Surgical Center
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 34-year-old recovery room nurse named Joel Vega has been arrested and charged with sexual battery and battery for allegedly fondling and restraining female patients at Palms Wellington Surgical Center in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. According to the arrest report, Vega touched a patient inappropriately, including reaching under her clothing, and forced her hand toward his groin. Another elderly female patient also reported similar allegations against Vega on a different date. Detectives believe there may be additional victims.
Why it matters
The allegations against Vega, if true, represent a serious breach of trust and abuse of power by a medical professional tasked with caring for vulnerable patients. This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and clear protocols to prevent and address sexual misconduct in healthcare settings.
The details
According to the arrest report, on February 13, Vega allegedly touched a female patient who had undergone knee surgery at the facility inappropriately, including reaching under her clothing for her chest and genitals. The patient attempted to defend herself by striking Vega, but he then restrained her and forced her hand toward his groin, causing unwanted contact through his scrub pants. The arrest report also states that another elderly female patient described similar allegations against Vega on another date.
- On February 13, the alleged incident with the female knee surgery patient occurred.
- Vega's next court date is scheduled for March 22.
The players
Joel Vega
A 34-year-old recovery room nurse at Palms Wellington Surgical Center in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, who has been arrested and charged with sexual battery and battery for allegedly inappropriately touching and restraining female patients.
Palms Wellington Surgical Center
The medical facility in Royal Palm Beach, Florida where the alleged incidents involving Vega and his patients occurred.
What’s next
Vega's next court date is scheduled for March 22, where a judge will determine whether to allow him to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the critical need for robust screening, monitoring, and accountability measures in healthcare settings to prevent and address sexual misconduct, in order to protect vulnerable patients and maintain public trust in medical professionals.
