Police ID three in sex abuse case

Doctor, nurse among suspects in assault on children

WATSONVILLE — Watsonville police held a news conference Thursday, releasing new information about seven children sexually abused by three medical professionals in Santa Cruz County.

The case was initiated after Watsonville police received information and a video of the three defendants having sex with three children at a Scotts Valley motel May 9, Watsonville Police Chief David Honda said.

Watsonville police believe all suspects involved in the incident are in custody. Dr. James Kohut, 57, of Dominican Hospital, Rashel Brandon, 42, and Tucson, Arizona, nurse Emily Stephens, 29, all remain in custody on charges related to child sex crimes.

Watsonville police worked with Pima County sheriffs in Arizona to obtain an arrest and search warrant for Stephens.

Honda said seven children, ages 3 to 13, have been taken into protective custody. Capt. Jorge Zamora, who also spoke at the news conference, said police received a video from a Watsonville resident depicting the illicit acts. Police learned about the first act allegedly in March, Zamora said. He also said it is difficult to determine whether the defendants carried out the acts in their professional capacities.

Authorities are searching homes associated to Kohut in Santa Cruz, Tucson and Merced.

Zamora said Kohut is associated with Stephens’ Tucson home. Honda said no nother suspects are believed to be involved in the case.

“This is a complex and disturbing crime that crosses into multiple states and the investigation is still ongoing,” said Zamora.