Man accused of molesting female patient at Delta Specialty Hospital

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man has been charged with sexual battery after police say he fondled a Delta Specialty Hospital patient in the middle of the night.

Neal Sowell, 64, was booked in the Shelby County Jail but has since been released on his own recognizance.

The victim said she was sleeping in her bed when she felt someone reach under her nightgown, grab her buttocks, and begin fondling her body. The victim said after she screamed, a man left the room.

Police said surveillance video showed Sowell leaving the woman’s room on August 19.

MPD said when investigators questioned Sowell, he told them he knew he was not allowed to come in contact with anyone on the floor but went into the woman’s room.

Police said Sowell also told them that he had been accused of sexual assault at least five other times at other facilities. It’s not clear if Sowell was also a patient or an employee.

Delta Specialty Hospital treats patients with drug addiction and mental health issues. Its website states the hospital is a safe place for patients and families.

WREG contacted Delta Specialty Hospital for more information about what happened, but we have not heard back from anyone.

Police said the victim was able to pick Sowell out in a photographic line-up. He is scheduled to be back in court on September 5.

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