One arrested in sexual assault incident at Samaritan

MOSES LAKE — Mitchell Jones, 37, of Cashmere, Washington was arrested Thursday after witnesses said he had assaulted an unconscious 29-year-old female patient at Samaritan Hospital, according to a Moses Lake Police Department press release. 

Detectives were called to the hospital and witnesses said they’d seen Jones check the doors to see if anyone was approaching, return to the patient and sexually assault her. Hospital staff realized what was happening and took the necessary actions to ensure the safety of the patient until law enforcement arrived. 

The MLPD police report indicates that Jones was set to perform a test on the victim who was in and out of consciousness. A camera in the room was moved away from her, which caused hospital staff to be suspicious of what was happening in the room. The alleged assault then happened and hospital staff had reoriented the camera where they say Jones was seen assaulting the victim multiple times.

Hospital staff told investigators that cameras are routinely used to monitor patients who have safety concerns associated with their conditions. 

Jones is listed on the Grant County Jail inmate roster and faces two counts of Indecent Liberties. No bail has been set and Jones was listed on the inmate roster at the Grant County Jail as of Saturday afternoon.

Officers had found Jones trying to leave the hospital when they arrived.

Samaritan Chief Development and Communication Officer Gretchen Youngren said the hospital is fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation of the incident. 

Jones had his initial appearance in court Friday with Judge Anna Gigliotti presiding over the case. A court order was issued to prevent him from contacting the reported victim in the case, go near Samaritan Hospital or near any of the witnesses in the case.

The charge of Indecent Liberty has a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine, according to court documents.

Jones is next scheduled to appear in court July 2.

R. Hans Miller may be reached at editor@columbiabasinherald.com.