By Leila Merrill
EMS1
SAN MATEO, Calif. — A former American Medical Response paramedic was charged with sexual assault against an elderly patient during a transport last year, KTVU reported Tuesday.
On December 23, 2022, Miguel Nieblas Ontiveros, 35, was transporting a 76-year-old fall patient from the Colma Skilled Nursing Home to the San Mateo Medical Center when he allegedly committed an assault, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office said.
His partner, who was driving the ambulance, could not see what was happening, but investigators said that when they arrived at the hospital, she saw Ontiveros pulling up his pants and the patient spitting.
She reported the incident to her supervisor immediately. DNA testing later revealed that Ontiveros’ semen was discovered in the patient’s mouth.
The investigation revealed that Ontiveros had previously been accused of a similar attack on an 80-year-old woman during a transport on May 21, 2022. However, there was no corroborating evidence at the time as the patient was not mentally competent.
Following the allegations in December, AMR reported the incident to the California Highway Patrol and placed Ontiveros on unpaid administrative leave. The company terminated his employment after his arrest.
“He has not worked since the day the incident took place,” an AMR spokesperson said. “Following his arrest, we terminated Mr. Ontiveros’ employment with AMR. AMR is cooperating fully with law enforcement. "
Ontiveros appeared in court Monday for an initial felony arraignment on charges of forcible oral copulation. The case was continued to Wednesday for further arraignment and a plea entry. Bail has been set at $3 million, and the defendant remains in custody, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. Upon conviction, Ontiveros may face life in prison.