CURRITUCK, N.C. — On Monday, a North Carolina man who is a certified registered nurse anesthetist was indicted on several charges related to sexually abusing patients in Currituck County. 

Paul Pellini, who is also a nurse practitioner, was ordered to be held in the Currituck County Jail on a bond of $2 million. Pellini, a Grandy resident, is accused of abusing someone who at the time had a mental disability and was physically helpless, according to court documents.

Pellini is charged with second degree forcible rape, sexual penetration under the pretext of medical treatment, and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Indictment court documents claim there were at least 3 different instances involving 3 different victims. 

One of the victims was 16 years old at the time of the alleged assault.

The indictments state that the jurors agreed that Pellini “unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did carnally know and abuse [the victim], who at the time was mentally incapacitated and was physically helpless.”

The crimes allegedly occurred on August 18 and November 8-9 of last year and February 11 of 2025.

The investigation began on Feb. 27, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assisted the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.

“Following interviews and the execution of search warrants, evidence was collected that led to the identification of a suspect in the case,” according to a release from the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

A judge has ordered Pellini not to enter his practice without a law enforcement escort.

This case is active and ongoing, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office at 252-453-3633.