What Happened
Suffolk County Police have arrested a certified nursing assistant on charges of forcibly touching a disabled patient at a Middle Island rehabilitation facility, according to the department.
Kevin Lopez-Diaz, 23, of Farmingville, was taken into custody at approximately 3:20 p.m. at Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing, located at 49 Oakcrest Ave. in Middle Island. Police say the incidents occurred on September 3 and September 4 at the facility.
The patient, a 32-year-old woman, reported the incidents to another certified nursing assistant, who called 911. She was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital on September 5 for an evaluation.
Sixth Squad detectives conducted the investigation leading to the arrest. Lopez-Diaz is charged with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent/Physically Disabled Person 1st Degree and two counts of Forcible Touching. He was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct pending arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on September 20.
A criminal charge is an accusation. Lopez-Diaz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.