A former Carlisle-based nurse has been sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting two patients and secretly video-recording hundreds of others, including many children. Michael D. Bragg, 42, of Franklin County, was sentenced in Cumberland County Court by Judge Albert Masland. The court designated Bragg as a sexually violent predator.
Charges and sentencing
Bragg previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated indecent assault, one count of attempted indecent assault, 12 counts of sexual abuse of children, one count of manufacturing child pornography, 37 counts of invasion of privacy, and 6 counts of interception of oral communications. The court found Bragg guilty of assaulting patients and making the recordings while based at UPMC Carlisle.
Investigation
The investigation was initiated by the Office of Attorney General in 2019 regarding the possession and dissemination of child pornography. During the investigation, authorities also discovered videos and photos of hospital patients in various stages of undress on Bragg’s laptop computer. Further investigation revealed that Bragg sexually assaulted an intubated and unconscious woman in the hospital’s emergency room, and groped another emergency room patient.
Reaction
“These are some of the most heinous and despicable crimes imaginable, and they were committed by a nurse that was trusted to care for his patients,” said Attorney General Michelle Henry. “This case is an important one to highlight as we recognize the start of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in April. We urge members of the public to contact authorities to report suspected abuse, while our Office remains committed to taking offenders, no matter their position or profession, off the streets.”
Prosecutors
This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones and Senior Deputy Attorney General David Drumheller. The lead investigator is Special Agent Brittany Lauck. Homeland Security Investigations assisted in the investigation.
