Police have arrested an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who is accused of sexually assaulting a medical patient during an office visit in Farmington last month.
Authorities said 46-year-old Steven Lamoureux, of Farmington, was arrested by warrant on Monday.
According to investigators, detectives began investigating APRN Lamoureux after receiving a complaint on July 19 that he performed what he called a "relaxation technique" on a medical patient during an office visit in Farmington.
Detective Sgt. Steph Egan of the Farmington police said, said the victim reported the incident and was "crying, upset and visibly shaken" when talking to detectives.
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"We learned through the patient that she was there for a medical diagnosis with regards to anxiety. And during the appointment, the APRN suggested an alternative relaxation technique. Trusting her APRN, she disrobed to only her underwear and was instructed to lie down on the table," Egan said.
The victim told police that Lamoureux then began massaging various parts of her body. According to the arrest warrant application, she described the actions as a massage she might receive from a husband or boyfriend, not a medical professional.
Authorities said the act that Lamoureux performed was not in accordance with standard medical care and was outside of the scope of his medical license and care.
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Lamoureux's attorney, Richard Brown, categorically denied that his client engaged in any inappropriate manner with the victim or any other patient. They intend to enter a plea of not guilty and request a jury trial.
The incident happened at ProHealth Physicians location in Farmington. Police say they are cooperating with the investigation.
"The health and safety of our patients is our highest priority. This individual is not currently employed with our organization and we are cooperating with authorities," a ProHealth Physicians spokesperson told NBC Connecticut in response to the investigation.
Detectives worked with the Dept. of Public Health to investigate the violation against Lamoureux. They said they learned Lamoureux had been the subject of a prior DPH complaint for previous inappropriate conduct while he was employed by the Internal Medicine Practice of Greater New Haven in 2018. That complaint was investigated and closed.
"The Connecticut Department of Public Health conducted a thorough investigation and it was determined that he did not violate the medical standard of care at the time," a DPH spokesperson told NBC Connecticut in a statement.
Lamoureux is facing one count of sexual assault in the fourth degree. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
If you were subjected to inappropriate medical care by APRN Lamoureux, you're asked to contact the Farmington Detective Unit at (860) 675-2400 or your local law enforcement.
"We strongly encourage anyone who has ever been assaulted or hurt to come forward, we do understand the nature of the investigations are very sensitive and the dialogue related there is very sensitive," Detective Sgt. Egan said.
