Female patient accuses male patient of rape

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 20, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY

A patient in the mental health wing of Community Hospital raped another patient in her room, police said. Stacy Lee Munoz, 18549 Havenwoods Road, Spring Hill, faces charges of kidnapping, sexual battery and false imprisonment. The victim told police that Munoz, 33, entered her hospital room late Friday night and wouldn't let her leave. Then he forced her to have sex with him, the police report says. Munoz acknowledged having sex with the woman but said it was not forced. Hospital spokeswoman Mary Sommise said she couldn't comment on how the incident could have occurred, citing the law enforcement investigation. "Patient safety truly is our No. 1 priority," Sommise said. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement, as well as we have launched our own internal investigation." Munoz, who was arrested last month on a warrant, remained in the Land O'Lakes jail Tuesday in lieu of $130,000 bail.

HOLIDAY

Man dies before wish is fulfilled

Nolan Johnston knew he was dying of lung cancer when he made this wish last month: To get tickets to WrestleMania, the so-called "Super Bowl" of wrestling events being held in Orlando on March 30. His wish was granted after World Wrestling Entertainment officials read a Pasco Times story about Johnston and his best friend, fellow wrestling fan Bill Noto, who has been caring for Johnston at his home. He and Noto were thrilled when the tickets arrived. But Johnston, 46, died Saturday (Feb. 16, 2008). Before he died, he donated his ticket to Gulfside Regional Hospice, Noto said Tuesday. "He said, 'I don't think I'm going to make it,'" recalled Noto, who said Johnston took a turn for the worse early last week. "I wasn't going to go (to WrestleMania), but he told me to go. He said, 'You're going for me.'"

PORT RICHEY

Grandparents support offered

A new support group for grandparents raising grandchildren will meet at 10 a.m. today in the Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road. For information, call Dorothy Schneidmuller at (727) 862-8222.

[Last modified February 19, 2008, 22:09:30]