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Trial delayed for Nathan Sutherland, nurse accused of raping, impregnating Hacienda Healthcare patient

Nathan Sutherland was expected to go on trial starting on Feb. 25.

The former nurse who is accused of raping and impregnating an incapacitated woman at a Hacienda Healthcare facility in Phoenix will not go on trial in February as planned. 

Nathan Sutherland was expected to go on trial starting on Feb. 25, the date that Judge Stephen Hopkins tentatively set his trial to begin last August. 

But during a court hearing on Tuesday, a judge delayed the trial by 60 days.

PREVIOUSLY: The latest on the ex-nurse charged with raping patient at Hacienda Healthcare

Sutherland was indicted by a grand jury on charges of sexual assault and vulnerable adult abuse last January after a patient gave birth at a long-term care facility in late December 2018. 

TIMELINE: The sexual assault investigation

Employees at the Phoenix facility have said they didn't know the woman was pregnant. 

Sutherland has since pleaded not guilty to the charges. Investigators said DNA from the baby boy matched his DNA. 

He was fired and gave up his nursing license after the arrest. 

RELATED ARTICLES: 

 ADHS agrees to allow Hacienda Healthcare facility to stay open

 Victim in Hacienda Healthcare scandal was also abused in 2002, lawsuit says

 'Pray for me': Police report shows Hacienda rape suspect's behavior changed before victim gave birth

 Documents: Incapacitated Hacienda patient who gave birth was repeatedly raped, possibly pregnant before

 Hacienda defends decision to place male nurse with patient

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