Hospital nurse arrested for alleged sexual assault of unconscious patient

A Lake Elsinore man employed as a nurse at multiple hospitals in Riverside County was arrested Tuesday in connection with the alleged sexual assault of an unconscious patient, according to authorities.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release that its Special Victims Unit began investigating the case in June 2025 after receiving information about inappropriate contact between a hospital employee and an unconscious patient. 

The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Lauro Gonzales Jr.

On July 15, investigators conducted a vehicle stop near Interstate 15 and Temescal Canyon Road, where Gonzales was taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was executed at his residence, where authorities say they found additional evidence connected to the case.

Gonzales was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center and faces a charge of sexual penetration of an unconscious person. 

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact Investigator J. Lee at (951) 955-1718 or the Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. No further details have been released at this time. For media inquiries, officials recommend contacting the department’s Media Information Bureau at mib@riversidesheriff.org.