HEALTH PROVIDER FACES SEX CHARGE

Eric Percy Walton is charged with having inappropriate relations with a female inmate at the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center.

By Jon Mayhew

A contract male nurse with Southern Health Partners, Inc has been charged with misdemeanor sexual battery. The organization provides medical care to inmates at the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center.

Detective Sally Dellinger arrested Eric Percy Walton, 49, of Graywood Drive, Gastonia on Friday.

The arrest followed accusations by the 30-year-old female inmate that during a medical examination for an injured back on February 27, the male nurse inappropriately touched her.

Southern Health Partners also provides medical care to other small and medium-sized jails in 12 other states.