Nurse Charged With Sexual Assault at Sinai-Grace Hospital
Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios, a 47-year-old nurse from Wayne, Michigan, faces multiple sexual assault charges related to an incident at Detroit Sinai-Grace Hospital. Mr. Figueroa-Berrios worked in the emergency department at Sinai-Grace and reportedly would prey on vulnerable patients he came across at the hospital. He has been charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree and two counts in the fourth degree. Law enforcement believe there may be even more victims out there. Prosecutors haven’t disclosed the identities of Mr. Figuero-Berrios’ alleged victims at Sinai-Grace Hospital, nor should they.
Unfortunately, patients can be especially vulnerable to sexual abuse. Hospitals and other medical providers have a duty to protect patients from abuse and assault while under their care and can be held responsible if they fail to do so.
Hospital Abuse in Michigan
Reports of hospital abuse throughout the country have increased significantly in recent years. Hospitals care for many vulnerable populations, including severely injured individuals, older adults with diminishing physical and mental capacities, and people with mental illness. Patients recovering from surgeries or treatments may be sedated, under the influence of painkillers, or even physically incapacitated, making them extremely vulnerable to abuse.
Unfortunately, there are many opportunities for sexual abuse in a hospital or mental health unit. Patients may assault other patients or staff members. Medical professionals, consultants, or other staff members may abuse patients as well.
Mr. Figuero-Berrios’s attorney claims the accusers in his case have mental health issues, making their claims unreliable. However, we believe the fact that these accusers may have mental health issues is one of the factors that make their stories even more reliable. In our experience, we have found that sexual predators specifically target this type of population for abuse knowing that they may not be believed even if they are courageous enough to report the abuse. Protecting these and other particularly vulnerable patients is one of the most important reasons hospitals must conduct thorough, transparent investigations of claims against their staff.
Holding Hospitals Responsible for Sexual Abuse and Assault
Hospitals are responsible for taking appropriate and effective steps to ensure their employees aren’t dangerous to patients. These steps include thorough background checks before hiring and ongoing monitoring of potential wrongdoing during their employment. Hospitals that fail to take reasonable steps to uncover past allegations or investigate any red flags may face lawsuits for negligent hiring and retention.
In this case, Livonia police investigated and requested charges against Mr. Figueroa-Berrios in two previous incidents involving patient sexual abuse claims. These occurred in 2020 and 2021, when Mr. Figueroa-Berrios worked at a mental health facility in Livonia. Prosecutors are reviewing those previous allegations and deciding whether to file charges in those cases.
Prosecutors are also investigating additional recent allegations, including a separate incident in August 2025. They say they may have as many as four additional cases. Police are urging anyone with information about these or other allegations against Mr. Figueroa-Berrios to come forward.
What To Do if You’ve Been Sexually Abused or Assaulted
Patients can often hold hospitals liable when their employees cause them harm. They may be able to pursue compensation by filing a civil lawsuit. They may also be asked to participate and cooperate with prosecutors in the criminal cases against their abusers. An experienced, compassionate lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
If you’ve been sexually abused or assaulted at a hospital or medical facility, contact Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller. Ms. Esser-Weidenfeller has extensive experience litigating sexual abuse cases against large institutions, including hospital systems. The consultation is free. She will listen to you and believe you. You don’t have to navigate this process alone.
