Recovery room nurse Joel Vega from Palm Beach County is facing serious criminal charges after two female patients accused him of sexual battery while they were under medical care.
According to media reports, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) began investigating after receiving two complaints alleging inappropriate conduct by Joel Antonio Vega, 34, who was employed at Palms Wellington Surgical Center, located at 460 North State Road 7 (441) in Royal Palm Beach, FL.
Authorities have charged Vega with sexual battery and misdemeanor battery and are seeking additional potential victims. Jail records show bond was set at $25,000 on the sexual battery charge. Vega has been a licensed registered nurse in Florida since June 2021. According to the Department of Health, Vega is a "Multistate Registered Nurse". The arrest affidavits list Vega's residence as Lake Worth, Florida. He was previously employed at Bethesda West Hospital in Boynton Beach. He attended nursing school at Bethesda College of Health Sciences.
Allegations Against Joel Vega
According to PBSO and multiple media outlets, the investigation began after two patients reported inappropriate conduct while receiving care at the surgical center. The first incident allegedly occurred on February 5, 2026 and was committed on a patient who recently underwent surgery for a broken wrist. After the surgery she was moved to a recovery cubicle at Palms Wellington Surgical Center. While in recovery, she told law enforcement she felt the male nurse adjust the sheets and then lift her underwear with his hand and place his fingers on her vagina. The patient she felt so shocked she could not speak or react during the incident. When the patient's daughter came to pick her up to transport her home, the patient immediately recounted to her daughter what occurred. She met with law enforcement on February 19, 2026. Prior to that date, law enforcement had already received a separate sexual misconduct complaint involving Joel Vega who described similar allegations on a different date. The second incident involved a woman who underwent knee surgery on February 13, 2026 at Palms Wellington Surgical Center. She reported to law enforcement that while in the recovery area following surgery, she felt Vega place his hand inside her underwear and run his bare hand across her pubic area. She said Vega then moved his hand onto her bare left breast and cupped it. He then allegedly moved his hand onto her right breast and the patient pushed his hand away. Soon after, Vega placed his bare hand inside her underwear and inserted his fingers into her labia. When she went to punch him, he reported moved her hand and caused it to make contact with his erect penis through his scrub pants. After discharge, she reported the incident to law enforcement.
In summary, authorities allege that:
- Vega worked as a recovery room nurse at Palms Wellington Surgical Center
- Two patients reported being sexually assaulted while in his care
- The alleged incidents occurred while the patients were in a vulnerable medical state
- Investigators believe additional victims may exist
Detectives have urged anyone who may have had a similar experience to contact law enforcement. Vega has already been order by the Court to have no contact with the victims. Horowitz Law represents one of the victims in this matter.
Healthcare Professionals Occupy Positions of Trust
When patients seek medical care, they do so in a state of physical and emotional vulnerability. Physicians are entrusted with access to patients’ bodies for legitimate diagnostic and treatment purposes only.
Under Florida law, any sexual contact with a patient is strictly prohibited, and medical examinations must be limited to what is medically necessary and properly explained. Sexual touching under the guise of medical care is unlawful, unethical, and a profound violation of professional duty.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law represents survivors of sexual abuse by doctors and other medical professionals. We handle cases in Palm Beach County involving abuse in hospitals, private practices, clinics, and specialty treatment centers. Patients have the right to medical care that is safe, respectful, and free from sexual misconduct.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched by doctors and other medical professionals. Under no circumstances is a doctor or nurse permitted to have sexual contact with a patient. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery at a medical office or facility, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.