Nurse enters not guilty plea over rape of incapacitated woman who later gave birth

A nurse accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at a long-term care facility in Phoenix has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge.

The hearing for Nathan Sutherland only lasted a few minutes, with the accused identifying himself and stating his date of birth.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.

Authorities say Sutherland raped the 29-year-old victim at the Hacienda HealthCare facility.

Hacienda workers said they did not know the woman was pregnant.

Investigators say Sutherland's DNA matched a sample from the woman's newborn, though Sutherland's lawyer says there is no direct evidence linking his client to the crime.

-Press Association