A former nurse accused of sexual assaulting patients who were bedridden has been ordered by a judge to stand trial.  On Thursday, March 7, 2013,  a Superior Court judge ruled there is enough evidence to warrant a trial in the case against Paul Robert Simon, 53.

Simon worked as a nurse at Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta and was arrested on three counts of sexual battery on a medically incapacitated person and at least two counts of lewd acts by a caretaker on a dependent adult.

A special agent  with the state Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (BMFEA) investigated this case in late 2010.  Simon was arrested in February.   The former nurse allegedly touched at least three  patients and had patients touch him. 

"Our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members who work as special agents in BMFEA take special care in investigating these cases," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "These are often difficult cases to investigate.  But as the judge ruled, there is enough evidence to bring this former nurse to trial.  That's a job well done by the special agent who investigated this case."

If convicted, Simon could face up to six years in prison.  His bail is set at $200,000.  His next court appearance is scheduled for March 21.