Arraignment for Patient Accused in Sexual Battery at Napa State

A patient suspected of assaulting and sexually battering a female hospital employee at the hospital last week is scheduled to be arraigned this morning.

Jesus Hernandez Tobar, 30, is charged with assault with intent to commit rape and two counts of sexual battery, Napa County Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael O'Reilley said.

Tobar delayed entering a plea to the charges Friday.

The prosecution and the California Department of Mental Health have released few details about the case.

Deputy Public Defender Courtaney Ann Wilson was appointed Friday to represent Tobar. Tobar was arrested by Napa State Hospital police and is being held in the .

The alleged assault was the third high-profile act of violence at the hospital since October.

Napa State Hospital psychiatric technician Donna Gross, 54, of Concord, was strangled to death at the hospital on Oct. 23. A preliminary hearing for her accused killer, patient Jess Willard Massey, 37, is scheduled for May 2.

On Dec. 11, rehabilitation therapist George Anderson, 60, suffered multiple fractures when he was attacked at the hospital. His alleged assailant, Sean Bouchie, 24, was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent back to Napa State.

Hospital employees and their union representatives have held to protest what they say are unsafe conditions and inadequate staffing.

By Bay City News Service.