Six women have filed lawsuits against California health system Sutter Health, alleging sexual assault by an ultrasound technologist during procedures conducted between 2020 and 2022 at Sutter-owned Memorial Hospital Los Banos. 

Despite multiple complaints and two police investigations, Henry Nweke, the accused technologist, remained employed as an overnight ultrasound tech at the hospital. The lawsuits claim Sutter disregarded or mishandled complaints about Nweke's behavior.

Allegations against Nweke range from inappropriate touching to simulating erotic acts with the ultrasound probe. The women are seeking financial damages from the health system. Both Sutter and Nweke have denied any wrongdoing.

According to coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle, the women chose Memorial Hospital due to its proximity and lack of alternative ultrasound imaging options in their shared rural county of residence. After the alleged assault, some drove long distances to other hospitals to avoid returning to the site. The women did not know each other before the lawsuit and were unaware of each other’s cases. 

Despite internal investigations by the hospital and police involvement, no criminal charges have been filed against Nweke. Sutter argues that Nweke followed proper protocols during ultrasound procedures and is conducting its third internal investigation into the claims.

The first civil case is scheduled to go to trial in September.

The full coverage from the San Francisco Chronicle can be found at the link below.