The Waynesville Police Department has made an arrest in an ongoing investigation into the allegations of sexual assault that occurred in late February at the Brian Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Waynesville.
Luis Gomez, 58, of Waynesville was arrested Thursday on the charge of second-degree forcible rape.
The allegations came to light after a patient at the center reported the incident to her daughter who urged her to report it to the authorities.
After an extensive investigation, Det. Paige Shell, with the Waynesville Police Department, arrested Gomez at his home. The warrant was served by Senior Officer Tyler Howell.
Gomez worked at the center as a certified nurse assistant.
Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed said Gomez had been suspended from working at the center from the moment the investigation began and that he had no contact with any of the residents of the center from that time forward.
“We made sure he didn'’t have access to any other patients there as soon as we became aware of the allegations,” Hollingsed said.
Hollingsed confirmed that the department is working with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to investigate whether more charges are warranted.
The investigation is still ongoing at this time and further charges are being considered in the case.
Gomez was booked in the Haywood County Detention Center under $100,000 bond.
His first court appearance will be on April 19.
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