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A nurse at Duke Health has been accused of committing sexual crimes against incapacitated medical patients, according to arrest warrants.
Duke University Campus Police said 39-year-old Jomil Uy Tugado of Durham allegedly engaged in sexual acts with two patients while they were “incapacitated.”
Arrest warrants indicate that the first alleged incident occurred in May, while the second took place earlier this month in December.
This is the second case in the Triangle area this month involving a nurse accused of sexually assaulting sedated patients. Less than two weeks ago, a nurse at UNC Rex Hospital was charged after three patients came forward with similar allegations.
Tugado is facing multiple charges, including two felony counts of sexual contact or penetration under the pretext of medical treatment and sexual acts by an employee of a government or private institution. He is also charged with two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery.
A Duke University spokesperson confirmed that Tugado began working with Duke Health in July 2023.
Reacting to the allegations, Duke Health said in a statement:
“At Duke Health, our top priority is to maintain a safe environment for all patients to receive care. We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and take all allegations of inappropriate behavior seriously.
“Jomil Tugado was removed from patient care and placed on administrative leave on December 7, 2025. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their ongoing investigation and remain committed to supporting those who have been impacted. If patients have witnessed or experienced inappropriate conduct at Duke Health, we ask that they call our hotline at 919-385-3575.”
The North Carolina Board of Nursing suspended Tugado’s registered nurse license on Thursday, December 18, following the charges.
Tugado appeared in Durham County Court on Friday morning, December 19, where he was denied bond.
