A San Diego pediatric nurse has been arrested for molesting a 2-month-old foster child in his care and recording the alleged abuse on camera, according to a complaint filed by the FBI Wednesday.
Foster parent and Kaiser Permanente nurse Michael William Lutts, 50, is accused of beginning the lewd acts the day he received custody of the prematurely born baby -- Aug. 4.
Court documents reveal graphic details about the alleged abuse, saying Lutts touched and manipulated the infant's genitals while masturbating and videotaping the abuse. Pictures show the hospital tag was still attached to the infant's leg, the complaint says.
According to court documents, Lutts was videotaped a week later naked in his living room with the baby near him while he performed lewd acts on himself.
FBI agents say the newborn can be heard crying through many of the videos.
Investigators began looking into Lutts as they searched for sources of child pornography distribution.
"During that investigation, agents identified Mr. Lutts as someone that was involved in this type of criminal conduct," said Special Agent Darrell Foxworth.
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When agents executed a search warrant to the suspect's home, they say they seized several hundred images and videos depicting child pornography on hard drives, computers, CDs and his cell phone. The complaint outlines distrubing details from videos recorded on at least five separate days.
The FBI took Lutts into custody Tuesday at his College Grove home. He was charged with a federal violation of sexual exploitation of a child during his first district court appearance Wednesday. Lutts is in the process of getting an attorney, according to the FBI.
Foxworth said there is a chance the U.S. Attorney's Office could file additional charges against the suspect. Lutts is being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and will next be in court on Friday for a detention hearing.
The 2-month-old victim has since been placed in Child Protective Services' care.
Because Lutts worked as a pediatric nurse, the FBI says they are searching for other potential victims. If you or someone you know believe you were a victim, call the FBI at 858-320-1800.
Lutts' employer Kaiser Permanente revealed Thursday that he will not be returning to work until the investigation and criminal proceedings are finished.
The medical group's spokesperson said they have had no indication from law enforcement that their patients were possible vicitms, but its administration is working with authorities.
"At Kaiser Permanente, our first priority is to keep our patients safe as we address their health care needs, and nothing is more important than assuring the appropriate care of our young patients. We hold sacred the trust our patients place in Kaiser Permanente. We will not tolerate any employee or physician abusing that trust," Kaiser's statement read.
