Developing story: This report may be updated as additional information is confirmed. Updates will appear at the bottom of the article.
ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a recovery room nurse from a Wellington-area surgical center after two complaints triggered an investigation into allegations of sexual battery involving two female patients.
Detectives say the investigation centered on Joel Vega, identified by PBSO as a recovery room nurse at Palms Wellington Surgical Center in the 400 block of North State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. After what PBSO described as a thorough investigation, detectives said they established probable cause and took Vega into custody on Feb. 20, 2026.
Court and arrest records include two felony cases opened for Vega under Palm Beach County Circuit Court, both dated Feb. 20, 2026, and listed as open.
The booking sheet and docket entries reflect a charge under Florida Statute 794.011(5)(b), described on the booking paperwork as sexual battery, along with a misdemeanor battery charge under Florida Statute 784.03(1)(a)1, described as “touch or strike.” Booking paperwork indicates bond was set at $25,000 on the sexual battery count, with $0 listed on the misdemeanor battery count. Court entries also reflect that a no-contact order with the victim was filed.
A first appearance hearing was scheduled for the morning of Feb. 21, 2026, according to the court activity entries. According to court records, the defendant was present and in custody for court proceedings, and that a private attorney, listed as P. McKamey, was present. The case activity reflects the court found probable cause.
Court records include a 30-day return appearance scheduled for March 22, 2026, and an initial case conference scheduled for April 16, 2026. The docket also reflects notices sent and a notice of hearing filed.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims.
PBSO is asking anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Joel Vega, to contact Detective L. Alvarez at 561-688-4147 or by email at [email protected]. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS. PBSO noted tipsters may remain anonymous.
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