News Summary
Paul Alden Miller, a nurse at Providence Mission Hospital, has been convicted of sexually assaulting three patients while under his care. The incidents occurred in 2021 and involved inappropriate touching under the guise of medical procedures. He faces sentencing in November. The hospital is conducting investigations into the allegations and has denied any lapses in response to previous complaints. One victim has filed a lawsuit against both Miller and the hospital, raising serious concerns about patient safety in medical facilities.
Mission Viejo – Nurse Convicted of Sexual Assaults at Providence Mission Hospital
Paul Alden Miller, a 60-year-old nurse, was found guilty of sexually assaulting three women while they were under his care at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Miller was convicted on three felony counts of sexual battery by fraud and three misdemeanor counts of touching an intimate part of another person. He was acquitted of a misdemeanor count of inflicting injury on an elder adult, and his sentencing is scheduled for November 7.
Details of the Incidents
The assaults took place over a span of several weeks in 2021, with the first incident occurring on March 19 involving a 56-year-old woman who had been hospitalized for dizziness. During her treatment, Miller suggested the use of an external catheter for an MRI procedure. The woman testified that he inappropriately touched her while inserting the catheter, making her feel uncomfortable due to the excessively intimate nature of his actions.
Shortly after, on March 31, a 22-year-old woman who was being treated for injuries from a car crash experienced a similar violation at the hands of Miller. She stated that he caused her pain while inserting the catheter and inappropriately manipulated her clitoris, asking if “this feels better,” further compounding the trauma of her situation.
The third victim, a 68-year-old woman, reported being assaulted on April 9 while receiving care for vomiting and anxiety. She realized she was being sexually assaulted when Miller asked if it felt good during the process. Witnesses rushed into the room after hearing her screams, confirming distress at the scene.
Legal Actions and Reactions
Miller was arrested on June 30 after three separate patients accused him of sexual assault. Following the first complaint, Providence Mission Hospital placed him on administrative leave and stated that they acted promptly upon receiving the allegations. The hospital has denied any failures in responding to previous complaints and emphasized its commitment to patient safety.
The defense attorney for Miller argued that he was a highly respected nurse known for his character and denied the allegations against him. Nonetheless, investigators believe there may be additional victims due to the nature of the multiple complaints against him.
One of Miller’s victims, Zoe Cooksey, has filed a civil lawsuit against him and Providence Mission Hospital. Cooksey claims that she was drugged with morphine prior to her assault and accuses the hospital of failing to protect her and not responding appropriately to various allegations against Miller.
Background Information
Miller had been employed at Providence Mission Hospital from January 2017 until April 2021, prior to which he worked at El Centro Regional Medical Center and Sharp Hospital. His case has raised alarms regarding patient safety and care in medical facilities, as many are concerned about how such serious allegations could occur within a healthcare setting.
The hospital’s management has expressed their commitment to investigating the allegations fully and ensuring that patient safety is prioritized. They claim that the incidents are taken very seriously and that prompt actions are always taken in response to patient complaints. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and the upcoming sentencing of Paul Alden Miller is being closely monitored by the community and legal authorities alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nurse Charged with Sexual Assault at Providence Mission Hospital
Additional Resources
- My News LA: Nurse Convicted of Sexual Assaults
- CBS News: Woman Files Suit Against Nurse
- KTLA: OC Nurse Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Assault
- Los Angeles Times: Sex Assault Accusations
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
