Drug-treatment staffer arrested for rape after sex with patient

Dalton police are investigating a rape allegation made by a patient against a staffer of an addiction-treatment center.

Patrick Collins Nix, 27 of Cohutta, was arrested on charges of sexual assault by an employee of a health-care facility. A patient at the Highland Rivers alcohol and drug treatment center reported he “initiated sexual intercourse with her” in her room, said Bruce Frazier of the Dalton police.

Investigators determined that intercourse took place early Saturday morning, and the victim reported it to staff at 10 a.m that day. Nix was arrested Saturday evening, Frazier said.

The investigation is not yet completed, Frazier said. Georgia law prohibits sexual relations between employees of health-care facilities and those over whom they have supervisory authority.