Brain surgeon fired from Arkansas hospital, 2 nurses charged in child-sex-abuse ring, authorities say

This undated photo provided by the Watsonville Police Department shows Dr. James Kohut. Kohut, a longtime neurosurgeon in Santa Cruz at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, as well as Dominican Hospital., was arrested Sunday, May 14, 2017, at his home in Santa Cruz, Calif, on multiple charges involving child sexual abuse. (Watsonville Police Department via AP)
This undated photo provided by the Watsonville Police Department shows Dr. James Kohut. Kohut, a longtime neurosurgeon in Santa Cruz at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, as well as Dominican Hospital., was arrested Sunday, May 14, 2017, at his home in Santa Cruz, Calif, on multiple charges involving child sexual abuse. (Watsonville Police Department via AP)

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Authorities say a brain surgeon who was recently fired from an Arkansas hospital and two nurses have been charged in a child sex abuse ring involving seven victims under 13.

Watsonville police Capt. Jorge Zamora said Thursday that Dr. James Kohut, Emily Stephens and Rashel Brandon have been arrested and charged with sex crimes with children.

[EMAIL UPDATES: Get free breaking news alerts, daily newsletters with top headlines delivered to your inbox]

Zamora said the children have been placed in protective custody. It was unclear if the suspects are represented by lawyers.

Zamora said investigators were given a video that they say shows the abuse and was recorded in a nearby hotel.

Zamora declined to discuss relationships among the defendants and children.

Kohut had been hired by Sparks Health System in Fort Smith but was fired Monday after about 2 weeks, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Thursday. The Arkansas State Medical Board issued an emergency suspension of his medical license on Wednesday.

Watsonville is 90 miles south of San Francisco.

Upcoming Events