OTTUMWA, IA — On Sunday, October 15, 2022, the Ottumwa Police Department became involved in the death investigation of Devin Michael Caraccio, age 27, of Centerville, IA. At the time of his death, Caraccio was employed by a third party group that is contracted by the Ottumwa Regional Health Center located at 1001 E. Pennsylvania, Ottumwa.
While investigating Caraccio’s death, police were able to access his cellular telephone. While reviewing information contained on Caraccio’s phone, police identified evidence that Caraccio had assaulted more than one patient, while he was working in the hospital. Caraccio photographed or recorded images of the assaults that were later discovered by police.
Hospital administration was contacted about the discovery and has actively been assisting the police department in identifying victims. It is suspected that all of the victims were asleep, or in a state of unconsciousness when the assaults took place. All evidence gathered at this point in the investigation indicates that Devin was acting alone. The hospital has been fully cooperative with the investigation.
ORHC released a statement in response to the investigation by the Ottumwa PD, stating that, in addition to the ongoing police investigation, an internal investigation is being conducted.
“Following the death of medical staff provider Devin Caraccio, CNP, in October, we have been conducting an internal investigation, and the Ottumwa Police Department is leading a separate, independent investigation.
“As part of their investigation, the police uncovered sexually explicit photographs and videos on Mr. Caraccio’s personal cell phone. The police told us that a small number of the photographs and videos found on his phone – all taken in 2021 and 2022 – depicted nine female patients at our hospital. They also let us know that these photographs and videos appear to have been taken without each patient’s knowledge or consent. Our own review has confirmed the findings of law enforcement.
“There are no words to describe how shocked and horrified we are by Mr. Caraccio’s actions. Our hearts go out to all of those affected by these heinous acts.”
ORHC concluded the statement by saying they “are wholly committed to learning from this situation and regaining the trust the Ottumwa community places in us” and that the hospital’s internal investigation remains ongoing, as does the police investigation.
