Key Takeaways
- Trever Lauriano, a former nurse’s aide at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, New York, has been arrested and charged for allegedly sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl while she was a patient in the hospital’s behavioral health unit.
- Another hospital employee called 911 to report the alleged abuse, prompting an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section.
- Survivors of healthcare sexual abuse may have civil legal options against an institution that may have failed to protect them.
Trever Lauriano Arrested & Charged
Trever Lauriano, 36, a former nurse’s aide at Good Samaritan University Hospital, was arrested on August 21, 2026, by Suffolk County Police for allegedly sexually abusing a 15-year-old patient at the hospital.
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, “An employee of Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip called 911 to report another employee sexually abused a 15-year-old girl while she was a patient. Following an investigation by Special Victims Section detectives, it was determined Trever Lauriano, who is a nurse’s aide, sexually abused the girl in the behavioral health unit, located in the hospital, on August 3.”
Lauriano has been charged with third-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The Allegations Against Trever Lauriano
News 12, citing court documents, reported that Lauriano allegedly touched the girl underneath her clothing. According to prosecutors, she “made a noise, prompting Lauriano to leave the room.”
Lauriano has pleaded not guilty. His next court hearing is set for September 4, 2026.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the case or anyone who may have been a victim to contact the Special Victims Section at 631-852-6531.
Good Samaritan University Hospital Responds to Allegations
Following Lauriano’s arrest, Good Samaritan University Hospital provided a statement to News 12:
“‘Upon learning of this incident, the individual was immediately placed on administrative leave while an investigation was conducted, resulting in termination of employment. We take these matters very seriously. The safety of our patients remains our top priority.’”
Can a Hospital Be Held Legally Responsible for Patient Sexual Abuse?
Hospitals are entrusted with the safety and care of their patients and have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to protect them from foreseeable harm, including sexual abuse by hospital employees.
In this case, another Good Samaritan University Hospital employee reportedly called 911 to report the alleged abuse. However, it remains unknown what, if anything, hospital administrators knew about Lauriano’s alleged conduct before that call was made, including whether any prior concerns or complaints had been raised.
The criminal case against Lauriano will determine whether he is found guilty of the pending charges.
A civil investigation serves a different purpose and may examine whether Good Samaritan University Hospital or other responsible entities took reasonable steps to protect patients from harm.
A civil investigation may examine:
- What background checks and screening were conducted before Lauriano was hired;
- What qualifications and training were required for his position;
- What policies governed staff interactions with minor and/or behavioral health patients;
- How employees with access to vulnerable patients were supervised;
- Whether any prior complaints, concerns, or warning signs involving Lauriano existed; and
- Whether the hospital appropriately enforced patient-safety and sexual abuse prevention policies.
Whether Good Samaritan University Hospital or another entity could face civil liability would depend on the specific facts, including what the institution knew or reasonably should have known and whether it took appropriate steps to protect patients.
In addition to providing survivors with an opportunity to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered, civil lawsuits can help hold institutions accountable and encourage stronger policies designed to better protect patients in the future.
Legal Help for Survivors of Hospital Sexual Abuse
Patients and their families place extraordinary trust in healthcare workers during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. When that trust is violated, survivors may be left with lasting trauma and unanswered questions.
If you or your child were sexually abused by Trever Lauriano or another healthcare worker, you may have a civil case.
Our firm represents survivors of sexual abuse in New York and across the nation. We have extensive experience with cases involving hospitals and other healthcare institutions.
Our team is trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and committed to helping individuals understand their rights and choose the path that feels the most empowering to them.
Your voice deserves to be heard, and our attorneys are ready to listen.
All consultations are free and completely confidential.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Booking photo of Trever Lauriano, courtesy of Suffolk County Police Department. Good Samaritan University Hospital, © Google, Google Maps.
