A Florida nurse has been arrested and charged following allegations that he sexually assaulted a hospitalized patient while working at AdventHealth Orlando, formerly known as Florida Hospital.
Abedinecho Katue, 46, of Ocoee, Florida, was arrested in Orange County in March 2026 in connection with allegations involving a female patient at AdventHealth. According to court records, Katue faces charges of sexual battery involving a physically incapacitated person and lewd or lascivious battery involving an elderly or disabled adult.
According to the Florida Department of Health, Katue has been a licensed registered nurse in Florida since May 2018 and holds a multistate nursing license.
Allegations Against Abedinecho Katue
According to media reports and court filings, the allegations stem from an incident involving a female amputee patient receiving treatment at AdventHealth Orlando in January 2025.
Authorities allege that:
- The patient was physically incapacitated and recovering from surgery at the time of the alleged incident
- Katue allegedly entered the patient’s room after staff had reportedly instructed him to stay away from the patient
- The patient reportedly told staff she felt uncomfortable with the comments Katue made prior to the alleged assault
- The patient allegedly began recording Katue because of her discomfort
- According to reports, the recording captured Katue stating, “I can’t remember the last time I took care of such a young, Black, beautiful girl like you”
- Katue allegedly penetrated the patient’s genitals with his finger without consent
- Prosecutors allege the patient was unable to consent because of her physical condition
- Katue is also accused of intentionally touching the patient in a lewd or lascivious manner
- According to reports, investigators allege Katue administered morphine to the patient after the alleged assault, despite her request not to, causing her to lose consciousness
- The alleged victim was described in court documents as an elderly or disabled adult
According to reports, Orlando police responded to the hospital on the same day the alleged incident occurred and immediately began an investigation.
Criminal Charges and Bond Proceedings
Court records state that prosecutors formally charged Katue with one count of sexual battery involving a physically incapacitated victim and one count of lewd or lascivious battery involving an elderly or disabled adult.
According to reports:
- Katue was initially ordered held without bond following his arrest
- Prosecutors later filed notice that they would not seek pretrial detention
- A judge ultimately set bond at $75,000
- Katue has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges
Court records further show that conditions of release include:
- No return to the scene of the alleged offense
- No contact with the alleged victim
- No possession of firearms or weapons
Investigation Delays and Questions About AdventHealth’s Cooperation
According to media reports, investigators said the criminal investigation was delayed for months due to difficulties in obtaining records and securing cooperation from witnesses at AdventHealth Orlando.
Reports indicate that law enforcement served subpoenas on attorneys representing AdventHealth and repeatedly followed up regarding requested documents and witness interviews.
According to reports, investigators experienced delays obtaining witness cooperation and hospital-related information during the investigation. Media reports further indicate that some requested interviews and subpoena responses took months to complete.
A law enforcement expert interviewed by local media reportedly described the delays as unusual in a serious criminal investigation involving allegations of sexual assault against a vulnerable hospital patient.
After questions from reporters, AdventHealth released a statement saying:
“Patient safety is our top priority, and we take allegations of this kind seriously. In accordance with our policy, the team member has been placed on leave pending the outcome of this case.”
Nurses Occupy Positions of Trust
Patients receiving hospital care are often in extremely vulnerable physical and emotional conditions. Nurses are entrusted with intimate access to patients’ bodies solely for legitimate medical treatment and care.
Under Florida law, any sexual contact with a patient outside the scope of legitimate medical care is strictly prohibited. Allegations involving incapacitated or disabled patients raise particularly serious concerns because such individuals may be unable to protect themselves or provide consent.
The allegations against Abedinecho Katue describe an alleged abuse of trust involving a patient who was reportedly physically vulnerable and dependent on medical professionals for care and protection.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
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.