Authorities have filed 20 additional felony charges of third-degree sexual assault against a Mountain Home nurse practitioner, with allegations involving multiple female patients at a local urgent care clinic.
Joseph Riley Steves, 37, of rural Mountain Home, was booked into the Baxter County Detention Center on Friday afternoon on the amended charges but was released shortly after. No additional bond was required because the new charges were added to the original probable cause affidavit. Steves was initially arrested earlier this year and released on a $60,000 bond.
The affidavit filed by the Mountain Home Police was amended after more victims came forward and were interviewed. The incidents allegedly occurred at Access Medical Clinic on Highway 62 East in Mountain Home and involved a series of encounters where patients reported inappropriate physical contact during medical examinations.
One victim described visiting the clinic for treatment of an allergic reaction requiring an injection. She told police that after revealing her hip for the shot, Steves pulled her pants down to her ankles, scanned her legs with his hands, and administered the injection. He reportedly repeated the action when a second injection was needed and offered to massage the area if it hurt.
Another patient reported seeking treatment for symptoms of a urinary tract infection. She told police that during the examination, Steves touched her legs and referred to their interaction by saying, "We’re vibing." She said that after lying down for injections, which she ordinarily received standing, Steves touched her inappropriately under the pretext of checking for leakage.
A third woman visited Steves for sinus issues. She reported that Steves massaged her calves, touched inside her waistband, and attempted to administer an injection despite her refusal.
In a different instance, the mother of a minor son who was being treated for flu symptoms said that after leaving and re-entering the exam room, Steves placed a stethoscope under her shirt onto her breasts without her consent, joking that the examination was "free."
All of the reported incidents occurred in 2023. Four civil lawsuits have been filed in connection with the allegations against Steves and Access Medical Clinic in Baxter County.
Steves was initially charged with four counts of felony sexual assault and one misdemeanor charge of harassment in the original affidavit. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to interview potential victims and evaluate further allegations.