‘Forgive me for I have sinned’: Man accused of assaulting phlebotomist drawing his blood
A shocking incident that took place in a Nashville, Tennessee hospital has resulted in a man being accused of sexually assaulting a phlebotomist while she was drawing his blood.
The Incident in Detail
Travis Ford, an individual aged 53, was undergoing a routine medical procedure at the TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, which involved having his blood drawn. During the procedure, Ford is alleged to have raised his hand and inappropriately touched the phlebotomist’s groin area, according to police reports. Immediately after the assault, Ford was heard to say “Forgive me for I have sinned”, according to the arrest warrant.
Statements Made to the Police
Pursuant to his arrest, Ford reportedly made a series of contradictory statements to the investigating officers. He claimed initially that “The Lord” had instructed him to commit the attack. Later, he retracted this statement, reclassifying his actions as an accidental occurrence. Police are currently investigating these claims, alongside the assault allegations.
The Consequence
Ford is currently being held in jail, charged with aggravated sexual battery without consent. He is awaiting an official bond to be set so as to apply for a bail hearing. Following due process, the severity of his punishment will be determined by the verdict of the court. The policy of the local law enforcement agencies in Nashville has always been to act swiftly and effectively to safeguard the rights and the security of the victims of sexual abuse. In this case, they are no different, as they continue the in-depth investigation into the incident.
This incident has caused a ripple of shock and concern within the local community, bringing attention to the need for proper conduct and safety measures in medical settings. It underscores the importance of ensuring safe working environments for medical staff, who already serve under numerous challenges and risks inherent to their profession.
Further Incidents in Hospitals
This incident follows a worrying trend of reported assaults within medical establishments nationwide. Over the past month, three separate assaults on hospital employees have been reported, highlighting a dire need for heightened security and improved safety regulations within these facilities. In all professions, workers have a right to safety and security on the job, and these violations underscore the importance of maintaining and enforcing these standards, especially within healthcare settings.