Mission Viejo ER Nurse Accused of Sexually Assaulting 3 Patients

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Mission Viejo ER Nurse Accused of Sexually Assaulting 3 Patients

Jul 1, 2021

An Orange County registered nurse who has worked at multiple local hospitals was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of sexual battery and sexual elder abuse.

Authorities have confirmed that San Clemente resident, Paul Alden Miller, 56, was taken into custody yesterday at approximately 10:30 a.m. by members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail (SVD).

Miller was arrested for alleged sexual assaults against three female patients, and investigators have expressed concern that there may be additional victims who have yet to be identified.

Authorities believe Miller sexually assaulted the three female patients – ages 22, 56, and 68 – in separate incidents earlier this year. As a registered nurse for six years, Miller was working at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo when the sexual assaults allegedly took place.

The approximate timeline of the alleged sexual assaults are believed to be as follows:

  • March 2021: Miller sexually assaulted a 22-year-old woman at the Providence Mission Hospital emergency room
  • April 2021: Miller sexually assaulted a 68-year-old woman at the same location
  • June 2021: Miller sexually assaulted a 56-year-old woman at Providence Hospital

Miller’s employment timeline as a registered nurse is believed to be as follows:

  • From December 2014 to May 2015, Miller was employed at Sharp Hospital – Chula Vista
  • From January 2016 to January 2017, Miller was employed at El Centro Regional Medical Center
  • From approximately January 2017 to June 2021, Miller was employed at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo

Miller is currently in custody at the Orange County Jail. His bail has reportedly been set at $100,000.

As investigators indicated they believe Miller could have sexually assaulted additional patients while employed at any of the three aforementioned hospitals, anyone with information related to a sex crime committed by the suspect is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7419.

To remain anonymous, tips may be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or online at www.OCCrimeStoppers.org.

Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in California?

What is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in California?
Although California recently eliminated the statute of limitations on criminal rape cases, the law is different for civil prosecutions.

For adult sex crimes occurring after January 1, 2019, the law allows for a civil lawsuit to be filed up to 10 years from the last act (or attempted act). Additionally, the law allows for a civil lawsuit to be filed in an adult sex crime case within three years of the date the survivor discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) an injury or illness resulting from the incident.

The law is different for childhood sex crimes. Under AB 218, any survivor of childhood sexual abuse or assault is eligible to file a civil claim through the end of 2022, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred. Under AB 218’s temporary three-year lookback window, all survivors of childhood sexual abuse have an opportunity to file a civil lawsuit in pursuit of financial compensation from a perpetrator (whether an individual or institution).

When AB 218’s lookback window expires on January 1, 2023, survivors of childhood sexual abuse will still have until their 40th birthday to file a claim, or up to five years from the date of discovering a psychological injury, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For survivors who are over 40 at the time of AB 218’s lookback window expiration, there will likely be no additional opportunities for legal recourse.

Hence, it is strongly recommended that survivors of childhood sexual abuse file their claims as soon as possible to ensure their chance at justice is not stifled.

I’m Not Sure if I Want to Pursue a Sexual Assault Claim. What Can I Do?

I'm Not Sure if I Want to Pursue a Sexual Assault Claim. What Can I Do?
Speaking with one of Dordulian Law Group’s (DLG) Sex Crimes Division team members is always free and completely confidential. We’ll listen to the facts of your case (at DLG, we believe survivors of sexual assault and abuse) and lay out the various options you may have under the law, including recovery of a financial damages award.

How Often is Sexual Assault Reported?

Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons sexual assault is significantly underreported. DLG is proud to partner with RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) as a member of its National Leadership Council. RAINN’s website provides the following statistics related to sexual assault underreporting:

  • The majority of sex crimes are never reported to authorities.
  • Only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are ever reported to police (meaning more than two out of every three crimes go unreported).

In terms of individual demographics and sexual assault reporting, RAINN confirms the following statistics:

  • For College-Age Sexual Assault Survivors
    • Female Students: 20% report
    • Female Non-Students: 32% report
  • For Elderly Sexual Assault Survivors:
    • 28% report
  • For Sexual Assault Survivors Who Are Members of the Military:
    • 43% of female victims and 10% of male victims report

Why Do Sexual Assault Survivors Choose to Report – or Not?

Of the sexual violence crimes reported to police between 2005 and 2010, RAINN identified the following reasons provided by survivors for choosing to report:

  • 28% to protect the household or victim from further crimes by the offender
  • 25% to stop the incident or prevent recurrence or escalation
  • 21% to improve police surveillance or they believed they had a duty to do so
  • 17% to catch/punish/prevent offender from reoffending
  • 6% gave a different answer, or declined to cite one reason
  • 3% did so to get help or recover loss

Of the sexual violence crimes not reported to police from 2005-2010, RAINN identified the following reasons provided by survivors for choosing not to report:

  • 20% feared retaliation
  • 13% believed the police would not do anything to help
  • 13% believed it was a personal matter
  • 8% reported to a different official
  • 8% believed it was not important enough to report
  • 7% did not want to get the perpetrator in trouble
  • 2% believed the police could not do anything to help
  • 30% gave another reason, or did not cite one reason

Our experienced attorneys can help you pursue a financial award for your sexual assault case. Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation today.

DLG’s SAJE Team is Available to Survivors 24/7

DLG’s founder and president, Sam Dordulian, previously served as a sex crimes prosecutor in the position of Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. In that position, Dordulian accrued over 100 jury trial victories, helping to obtain life sentences against some of the city’s most heinous sexual predators.

As a sex crimes prosecutor, Dordulian came to understand that survivors of sexual violence often need more than just expert legal representation when proceeding through the litigation process. Accordingly, when he went into private practice, Dordulian created a SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) of handpicked professionals to help lead his firm’s Sex Crimes Division.

The SAJE Team is a unique and all-encompassing support network available to survivors of sexual assault. In addition to including Dordulian as lead litigator, the SAJE Team is comprised of:

  • Investigative Lead: Retired LAPD detective and in-house chief investigator for all of DLG’s sex crime cases, Moses Castillo
  • Psychological/Counseling Lead: An in-house licensed clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting survivors of sexual assault
  • Two licensed and nationally accredited victim advocates who have dedicated their careers to helping survivors of sexual assault in need

With DLG, survivors of sexual violence have access to a four-tiered support network of dedicated professionals throughout the legal process. When you’re ready to take the step towards obtaining the justice you deserve, DLG is here to listen, to provide support, and to help you win your claim and recover a maximum financial damages award.

With a 98% success record and over $100,000,000 recovered in settlements and verdicts, DLG’s unwavering commitment to each and every client is clear.

Contact us today online or by phone at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to learn more about your legal options following a sex crime.

updated 07.06.2021

Ex-Nurse Paul Alden Miller, Providence Mission Hospital Hit With Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Author

Samuel Dordulian

Samuel Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.




Go See Sam