WASHINGTON — A medical worker charged with sexually assaulting a patient at a Bowie emergency room, and who faces similar charges in D.C., has been found not guilty of the Prince George’s County charges.
The jury reached its verdict Friday morning, acquitting nurse Jared Kline, 38, of the charges of second-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense.
The female patient testified that in January 2014, when she was 22, she went to the Bowie Health Center complaining of pain. She said that after Kline outstretched her arm to start an IV, she found his clothed genitals resting in her hand. She said she’d also noticed he’d become aroused.
Kline testified that although he did feel the woman’s hand on him, it was accidental contact. He said his only focus was placing the IV.
Kline’s attorney said he was gratified by the jury’s decision.
State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks however found the jury’s decision disappointing. “I think it is completely unacceptable that a young woman went to the emergency room because she was ill and instead was assaulted,” she said in a statement.
Alsobrooks said that Kline is facing similar charges stemming from incidents at hospitals in D.C.
Kline is charged with 11 counts of sexual abuse of a patient. A jury trial is set for May in D.C. Superior Court.
WTOP’s John Aaron contributed to this report from Upper Marlboro.
