http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/met...ault_suit.html

Eugene Ellis

Rafael Telles

Seven women have filed a lawsuit against WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta alleging they were sexually assaulted by three men who worked at the hospital.

The suit filed Tuesday in Cobb County State Court cites a total of 12 complaints against the former employees: Eugene Ellis, Rafael Telles and Eric Robinson.

And since the lawsuit was filed, two other women have come forward to say they were also assaulted, lawyers for the women said Wednesday. Those two women are not involved in the lawsuit.

Seven complaints are against Ellis, 58, of Acworth. Telles, of Hiram, allegedly committed four of the assaults. Robinson is named in one assault.

According to the lawsuit, the assaults took place between December 2006 and June 2008. Six of the victims were patients, and one was a visitor to the hospital.

The men are accused of “harming patients, attempting to harm patients, improperly placing themselves in contact with patients and entering patient rooms in violation of hospital policies and protocols,” the lawsuit states. “None of their job performances involve touching any women’s private areas,” said the suit’s lead attorney Glenn Loewenthal.

In July, Marietta police filed charges against Telles, an orderly, claiming that he groped a woman after a surgery. He has not been indicted.

Ellis was arrested in July 2007 after three women told police they were fondled. Ellis’ license as a therapist has been suspended, according to Jim McNatt, medical director for the state medical board. A trial date is pending for Ellis.

No charges were ever filed against Robinson, according to Officer Mark Bishop of Marietta.

In a prepared statement, the hospital said: “All WellStar employees undergo an extensive criminal background check before they are hired. WellStar thoroughly investigates all allegations of inappropriate conduct and takes immediate action when there is evidence of wrongdoing.”

Attorney James Kytle, who also represents the women, said: “Someone who is in the hospital, under the care of others, is hoping for the best, and expects [caregivers] to obey the law and take care of them.”