Sex offender assaulted dementia patient inside NJ hospital, cops say

BRIDGETON — Officials say a convicted sex offender sexually assaulted an 83-year-old dementia patient at a New Jersey hospital.

The Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office says 58-year-old Thomas Pierson, of Sicklerville, was visiting a friend at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland in December when he assaulted the woman.

Prosecutors say a nurse who was assigned to watch video surveillance of the room alerted a supervisor, and Pierson was held by security until police arrived.

Pierson is facing charges of aggravated sexual assault and criminal sexual contact. He was recently indicted.

State police records show Pierson is registered as a Tier 3, or high-risk, sex offender.

He was convicted in 2004 of sexually assaulting a minor.

Pierson is currently being held in Cumberland County jail. A message was left with an attorney listed for Pierson.

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