SPARTA, Wis. (WFRV) – A Monroe County nurse has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient under her care.
Melissa R. Knutson, of Readstown, was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by two years of extended supervision.
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According to prosecutors, Knutson repeatedly engaged in sexual intercourse with a drug court participant while serving as the patient’s nurse in Monroe County.
Authorities said that after the relationship was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Knutson falsely accused the patient of sexual assault in an attempt to avoid consequences.
District Attorney Kevin Croninger said the case involved a serious breach of professional trust.
“The harm caused by Ms. Knutson was deep and significant,” Croninger said. “Not only did she violate the sacred trust between a patient and a nurse, but she compounded that by falsely accusing the patient of sexual assault.”
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During sentencing, the judge described Knutson’s conduct as egregious and a betrayal of the nursing profession.
Court records indicate Knutson will serve her sentence in state prison before beginning extended supervision.
