A former nurse was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting two patients and secretly video-recording hundreds of others, including children.
Michael Bragg, 42, was designated by the court as a "sexually violent predator," according to an April 5 attorney general release. Mr. Bragg previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated indecent assault, one count of attempted indecent assault, 12 counts of sexual abuse of children, one count of manufacturing child pornography, 37 counts of invasion of privacy, and six counts of interception of oral communications.
Mr. Bragg was a nurse at UPMC Carlisle (Pa.) when the crimes took place. The investigation began in 2019 regarding possession and dissemination of child pornography. Agents also discovered videos and photos of hospital patients in various stages of undress on Mr. Bragg's laptop. Investigators determined nearly two dozen of the patients affected were children.
The investigation also found Mr. Bragg sexually assaulted an intubated and unconscious woman in the emergency room and groped another emergency room patient.
"UPMC fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities, immediately terminating the individual in question when the charges were brought to our attention," a system spokesperson told Becker's. "We want to again assure the community we have taken measures to protect our patients. UPMC Central Pa. region employees receive ongoing training on how to identify and report the use of unauthorized recording devices. UPMC Carlisle’s most immediate concern is and has always been for the health, safety, and well-being of the victims. We understand that patients, their families, and the community were shocked, upset, and concerned, and we share these feelings. We are deeply disturbed and saddened that someone could be responsible for actions that are in stark contrast to our mission and core values, which include care, respect, and safety."