Local News

MGH medical assistant charged with indecent assault and battery on patient

Leonardo Hernandez, 29, of Jamaica Plain has been ordered to stay away from the medical office where the alleged assault took place.

June 4, 2024

2 minutes to read

A 29-year-old medical assistant for Massachusetts General Hospital was charged this week with indecent assault and battery on a patient, authorities announced.

Leonardo Hernandez, 29, of Jamaica Plain was arraigned Monday in Boston Municipal Court on one count of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 in connection with the alleged incident, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

According to prosecutors, a report was filed with Boston police on April 12 alleging that Hernandez conducted an unauthorized exam on a patient. The woman told police that she went to Mass. General Dermatology several weeks previously for medical attention. She told police that after her doctor left the exam room, there was a knock on the door and then a man, later identified as Hernandez, entered the room.

According to the DA’s office, the woman recognized Hernandez from previous appointments and he asked her whether she wanted to have a skin examination due to a potential condition on her foot.

“The victim said if the exam was necessary then she would like to have it,” the DA’s office said. “She hadn’t been informed of an additional exam but assumed the doctor had requested it.”

Hernandez allegedly gave the woman a hospital gown and left the room, but then prosecutors said he “quickly re-entered” and remained present as the woman took off her jeans.

The woman told police that Hernandez touched her leg, raised her underwear, and requested to see her breast four times, allegedly attempting to pull down her hospital gown when she repeatedly refused before he eventually left the room.

The next day, the woman asked her doctor if she had ordered any follow up examination, and the physician said she had not, saying the type of exam was not in Hernandez’s job description, according to the DA’s office.

“I commend this victim for speaking up when she determined that this situation was just not right,” District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement. “All patients are entitled to safe and ethical treatment during their medical appointments. Anyone jeopardizing a patient’s safety or abusing and exceeding their professional responsibilities will be held accountable.”

Hernandez was released following his arraignment and ordered to stay away from where the alleged incident took place. He will return to court in July.

“Ensuring patients receive high quality and reliable care in a safe healthcare environment is our first priority,” Mass. General said in a statement obtained by WCVB. “We assisted the patient in connecting with authorities, as well as terminated Mr. Hernandez’ employment, and have cooperated fully with law enforcement’s investigation. We are deeply troubled by the allegations and thankful to the patient for coming forward to ensure that this individual’s alleged conduct was exposed.”