Former Sheppard Pratt Nurse Charged in 17-Year-Old Abuse

Baltimore County police have arrested 35-year-old former Sheppard Pratt nurse Michael Cabanalan, charging him with second-degree rape and multiple other sex offenses after detectives say he sexually abused a 17-year-old patient at the Towson psychiatric hospital. Charging documents allege he met the patient on Sept. 4, repeatedly entered her room (surveillance reportedly showed about eight entries) and engaged in inappropriate sexual contact while she was being treated. After her discharge on Sept. 8, police say Cabanalan picked her up in Silver Spring, took her to his Towson home and allegedly sexually assaulted her twice; investigators say the victim has intellectual disabilities that left her unable to consent. A warrant was issued Oct. 15 and Cabanalan was arrested Oct. 21; court records show he faces a 12-count file that includes seven felonies and is being held without bond. Sheppard Pratt said it reported the allegations to law enforcement and emphasized patient safety, and authorities have asked anyone with information or potential additional victims to contact detectives or the Department of Social Services.