Nurses in Santa Cruz County sex crime case may have been abusing their own children

Two nurses, accused of child sex crimes in Santa Cruz County, may have been abusing their own children, according to court documents obtained by KION.

Dominican Hospital Dr. James Kohut, nurse Rashel Brandon and Tuscon-based traveling nurse Emily Stephens are facing felony charges.

The documents from Pima County, Arizona, included disturbing details of a sex video where the two nurses, Brandon and Stephens, allegedly performed sexual acts on three children.

Detectives said Brandon’s estranged husband got hold of the video and turned it in to Watsonville police.
Brandon is accused of performing sex acts on her son in a video.

Detectives say Emily Stephens, is also accused of abusing Brandon’s son and her own two children.

Neighbors, who lived near Brandon, said her arrest came as a shock.

“I was like oh my goodness. It kinda wakes you up to the fact that these horrible things can happen anywhere, any time,” Erin Miccichi said.

During an interview with Watsonville police, Brandon claimed Stephens is pregnant with Kohut’s child and tried to blackmail him for money.

Brandon, also claimed the married doctor asked for her help to seek revenge, resulting in the idea of filming Stephens sexually assaulting children.

Neighbors said even though they didn’t interact much with the family, the Brandon boys were just like any other kids.

“They seemed very outgoing, you know, they were the type that always smile and wave and they were always going after the ice cream truck on their bicycle,” Miccichi said.

Watsonville police said seven children have been placed in protective custody; however investigators will not provide details on how they are all related.

Kohut and Brandon are scheduled to be in court on Friday.

Stephens is still in Pima County Jail in Arizona. The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s office says she’s fighting her extradition. Stephen’s next hearing is scheduled on June 15 at Pima County Superior Court.