Nurse arrested on three counts of harassment

A traveling male nurse was arrested on Monday, Dec. 18, facing three counts of harassment in the second degree, offensive physical contact, a misdemeanor charge.

According to Nome Police Department Sergeant Alex Le, a fellow NPD officer sought medical help after a fall and was treated at Norton Sound Health Corporation. While the patient waited for X-rays to be processed and after a doctor had seen her, the male nurse came back into the room, struck up an inappropriate conversation and touched the patient inappropriately. The officer reported the incident at shift change, NPD took the report and forwarded it to the court, where a warrant for the nurse’s arrest was issued.

On Monday, NPD arrested Joshua Reed, 42, of Oklahoma.

Reed was arraigned on Tuesday. Reed, through his attorney, pleaded not guilty and waived the reading of his rights.

Magistrate Judge Pamela Smith released Reed without having to post bail. “Mr. Reed, you don’t have criminal history and that goes in your favor, at least that we are aware of here in Alaska. The allegations, although they are misdemeanors, are serious and I’m concerned for the safety of folks within the community, in the position you’re in.”

She released Reed on conditions to obey all federal and state laws, to not directly or indirectly contact the patient.

The court scheduled a representation hearing on January 4, at 2:30 p.m. and a pretrial conference hearing on Feb. 8, at 9 a.m.

NPD asks the public to come forward if there have been other victims of harassment or inappropriate physical contact.