Parents of Wyoming State Hospital Patient Sue Over Sexual Assault
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The parents of a Wyoming State Hospital patient are suing the hospital after their daughter was reportedly sexually assaulted by an employee.
The former employee, Christopher S. King, faces trial next month on three counts of second-degree sexual assault after a November 2016 police investigation determined he engaged in sexual acts with the woman at the psychiatric hospital in Evanston. King, who has pleaded not guilty, voluntarily surrendered his Wyoming Certified Nursing Assistant certificate.
The lawsuit alleges the hospital breached its duty of care by allowing her to be sexually assaulted by a person charged with watching her during one-on-one observation periods. It seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and anguish, emotional distress and counseling costs.
Wyoming Attorney General Peter Michael, whose office represents state entities in lawsuits, declined to comment.