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Rape Reported At Hospital

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By LISA A. DAVIS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 19, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - A 33-year-old patient is accused of raping another patient in the behavioral health wing of Community Hospital, according to a police report.
Stacy Lee Munoz, of 18549 Havenwoods Road, Shady Hills, was arrested early Monday by a New Port Richey police detective on charges of sexual battery, kidnapping and false imprisonment.

Munoz is accused of entering a second-floor room where a female patient was being treated Friday, forcing her into the bathroom and shutting the door at least three times when she attempted to leave, according to an arrest affidavit.

He told her to lie down, which she told police she did because she was afraid he would hurt her, and then he raped her, the report said.

Munoz said it was consensual sex, police said.

Lt. Jeffrey Harrington said it wasn't immediately clear whether the two patients knew each other.

Because of patient confidentiality, hospital spokeswoman Mary Sommise said she couldn't comment on the condition of the woman or whether she is still in the hospital, at 5637 Marine Parkway.

"Patient safety is our No. 1 concern," she said. "We're cooperating fully with law enforcement as well as launching our own internal investigation."

The hospital's Quality and Risk Management Department is conducting that investigation.

Munoz was in the Land O' Lakes Jail on Monday, with bail set at $130,000. He has no record of a violent history.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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