Nurse in court in rape of incapacitated woman

PHOENIX (AP) – A nurse accused of raping an incapacitated woman who later gave birth at an Arizona care facility is being released from jail on bond.

Nathan Sutherland made an initial court appearance Wednesday, hours after his arrest was announced by Phoenix police. He did not enter a plea.

A Maricopa County Superior Court commissioner ordered him released on a cash-only $500,000 bond. Sutherland must also wear an electronic monitoring device.

Clad in a T-shirt, athletic pants and jacket, Sutherland was accompanied by defense attorney David Gregan, who said his client has no prior criminal record.

Gregan also said Sutherland has the right to get his own DNA expert.

Authorities say DNA from Sutherland matches DNA from the victim’s baby.

Sutherland faces one count each of sexual assault and vulnerable adult abuse.