Nurse Pleads Not Guilty to Molestation at Juvenile Facility

A nurse at Orange County Juvenile Hall pleaded not guilty Wednesday to allegations that he molested a teenage inmate who was seeking medical help for an illness, authorities said.

Kevin Duane Van Otterloo, 34, of Anaheim Hills was arrested last month after the teenager reported the alleged sexual abuse to another county official, said Orange County Deputy Dist. Atty. Randy Payne.

The nurse also allegedly maintained a relationship with the 17-year-old after he was released from the detention center, living with the boy for two months, Payne said.

Van Otterloo had applied to be the teenager’s custodial parent at the time of his arrest, authorities said.

Van Otterloo’s attorney did not return phone calls seeking common.

County officials are trying to determine how the nurse and inmate were able to form such a close relationship without coming to the attention of authorities.

The suspect is accused of molesting the boy while he was visiting the medical ward.

There is generally one doctor on duty, as well as four nurses and four medical assistants staffing the ward. Inside, there are examining rooms where the juveniles are able to receive confidential treatment by medical staff members, said Pat Markley, spokeswoman for the Orange Health Care Agency.

“At this point, we firmly believe in our policies and procedures that are in place. It is a right for patients to receive confidential medical treatment. That’s an important right,” Markley said.

Any potential employee at the facility must undergo a rigid screening, including a criminal background check.

Rod Speer, spokesman for the Probation Department, said keeping the juveniles safe is a priority.

“We’re always concerned about the kids that are within our custody. That’s part of our role,” Speer said. “We’re always double checking how we’re doing our procedures, and if we can make improvements.”

If convicted, Van Otterloo could be sentenced to four years in prison.

Van Otterloo was released on $50,000 bail. His next pretrial court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 15.