Syracuse Police have arrested a male registered nurse who worked at the Golisano Children’s Hospital and charged him with four counts of a criminal sex act with an underage patient. They believe the sexual contact happened last fall. 24 year-old Joseph P. Carelli from Marcellus is also being charged with misdemeanors of 3rd degree sex abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
Carelli was subsequently suspended and barred from entering the hospital once investigators identified him and the 16 year-old female victim had also been interviewed. Investigators say it appears that no force was used; nonetheless, actions are being taken against Carelli due to the girl’s age and the fact he was also working at the time performing duties as a healthcare worker. Investigators think this is an isolated incident and no other patients were affected. The timeline of the sexual contact happened between October 23rd and November 6th. Carelli was arraigned in Syracuse City Court this morning. The New York State University Police at Upstate and the hospital’s administration also assisted in the investigation. Anyone with information concerning this crime or any other potential victims are asked to call the Syracuse Police Abused Persons Unit at 435-3016. Any information provided will be kept confidential.
