Attorney General's News Release

April 10, 2000

Nixon seeks order to stop nurse charged with sexual assault from practicing while administrative case pending

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today asked the Jefferson County Circuit Court to prevent a House Springs man charged with sexual assault from practicing as a licensed practical nurse while the state Board of Nursing seeks sanctions against the man's nursing license.

Charles Williams was charged with first degree sexual assault last November by the Jefferson County prosecuting attorney after an alleged incident involving an elderly resident at a Cedar Hill nursing home where Williams was employed. The Board of Nursing subsequently filed a complaint before the Administrative Hearing Commission in order to discipline Williams' nursing license; a hearing on that complaint is scheduled for Aug. 30.

Nixon's lawsuit states that "Williams presents a substantial probability of harm to the rights and interests of the residents of this state" and asks the circuit court to enjoin Williams from practicing as an LPN until the Administrative Hearing Commission has made a final determination on the disciplining of the license.

As in all criminal cases, the charge against Williams is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818