Fourth Patient Accuses Bismarck Nurse of Sexual Assault

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A fourth patient has accused a nurse at a Bismarck hospital of sexual assault. Lukas Turner appeared in court to receive a new charge of gross sexual imposition involving a person under 15, the third sexual assault case he is facing stemming from his time as a nurse at CHI St. Alexius Health hospital.

Why it matters

The growing number of accusations against the nurse raises serious concerns about patient safety and trust in the healthcare system. Prosecutors are seeking to combine the three cases into one trial, but the defense argues that some evidence may not be admissible across all cases.

The details

Prosecutors are arguing to combine the three cases against Lukas Turner into one trial, but his defense attorneys argue that some evidence admissible in one case might not be admissible in another. The judge said he will rule on the matter with a written decision in seven to ten days.

• On Thursday, Lukas Turner appeared in court to receive the new charge of gross sexual imposition involving a person under 15.