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.
Nathan Sutherland has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult during a hearing on Tuesday.
Authorities say Sutherland raped the 29-year-old victim at the Hacienda HealthCare facility.
The woman has been described as being in a vegetative state, having been severely disabled since she was three.
She gave birth on December 29, but 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.
Employees have previously said the woman does not speak, though has some ability to move, responds to sounds and is able to make facial gestures.
The woman's family has said they will take care of the boy and police said he is "doing quite well".
