The trial for Nathan Sutherland, the former Hacienda Healthcare nurse accused of raping and impregnating a patient in a vegetative state, has been postponed until April 30, reports The Arizona Republic.
Mr. Sutherland's monthlong trial was scheduled to start next week. However, his defense attorney Edward Molina filed a motion asking the judge for more time to review court documents and prepare for witness interviews. Mr. Molina also noted negotiations for a potential plea deal are still occurring.
It is unclear what type of plea deal, if any, prosecutors have offered Mr. Sutherland, The Arizona Republic noted.
Mr. Sutherland was arrested in January 2019 and charged with sexual assault and vulnerable adult abuse after DNA evidence matched him to the Hacienda patient's baby. He voluntarily surrendered his nursing license and no longer works at the Phoenix-based long-term care facility.
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