Bond denied for former employee accused of sexually assaulting elderly patient at Grady hospital

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A former Grady Memorial Hospital employee accused of sexually assaulting an elderly patient last year was denied bond on Tuesday.

Chapple Lee faces several charges, including rape, aggravated sexual battery and elder abuse. He was arrested on Aug. 21, jail records show.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former employee arrested in sexual assault of 73-year-old patient at Grady Hospital

According to a lawsuit filed against the hospital, Lee, a nursing support technician, was charged with caring for 73-year-old Eva Lay when she was admitted to the hospital for a heart condition in October 2024. But instead, he assaulted her and removed the linens on her bed to cover up the crime, the suit says.

Lay died a few weeks later from unrelated health issues. Her family said the alleged incident had badly affected her mental health in the days before her death.

The lawsuit accuses Grady Memorial Hospital of negligence and failure to protect female patients.

“Eva Lay was a mother, grandmother and loved by her community. She deserved dignity, care and protection — not the violation and trauma she endured in what should have been a place of healing,” attorney L. Chris Stewart said in a statement. “This is not just a lawsuit — it is a demand for protection of our defenseless loved ones in hospital care.”

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.