Coventry: Hospice Nurse-Practitioner Charged With Assault

COVENTRY, RI— A Coventry man was charged Sunday with sexual assault, according to the Norfolk County, Mass., District Attorney's Office. Frank Palin, 67, is a nurse-practitioner who was working for a hospice at an assisted living facility in Canton, Mass. He allegedly touched an elderly patient "inappropriately" while asking her about her sexual history. Police allege he was caught on a video camera, which her family had installed in her room so they could monitor her care.

According to David Traub, communications director for the District Attorney, Canton police arrested Palin on Sunday. At his arraignment Monday in Stoughton District Court, he pleaded innocent to one count of indecent assault and battery on a person over 65. He went free on $5,000 cash bail, Traub said, with these conditions: "stay away and have no contact with the victim or her family members, stay away from the Old Colony Hospice and Cornerstone Facilities, and have no employment or volunteer work with the elderly or disabled while on bail."

Palin is also wearing an ankle bracelet or similar device monitoring his movements. He is due back in court July 30.

WJAR-TV and WPRI-TV are reporting Palin is chairman of the Coventry Fire District.

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