Banner Behavioral Health: Employee Charged with Felony Sexual Assault of Patient

June 2, 2026

A behavioral health specialist at Banner South Behavioral Health Unit in Tucson has been arrested on felony charges of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and kidnapping after a patient alleged he repeatedly entered her room during an overnight shift and sexually assaulted her while she was hospitalized in a secure psychiatric unit. Court documents state the patient reported feeling unable to leave or call for help because she feared being restrained or sedated.

Investigators say hospital security footage showed the employee, identified as Jose Jacobo Chavez, entering the patient's room 21 times during a single shift—an amount described as highly unusual. According to police records, Chavez initially denied any physical contact but later acknowledged sexual contact, claiming the patient initiated it. The patient reported the incident to her mother and staff the following day.

Banner Health said it immediately contacted law enforcement after learning of the allegations, cooperated with the investigation, and terminated Chavez's employment. The 41-year-old made his initial court appearance on June 1 and is being held on a $50,000 bond while the criminal case moves forward.

(Source:  KOLD 13 News, Tucson, AZ, June 1, 2026)