BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The U.S. Attorney's Office announced a nurse who worked at Oishei Children's Hospital is facing child pornography charges.
46-year-old Erik Hjemdahl-Monsen of Springville was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession and distribution of child pornography.
According to the U.S. Attorney's office, in December 2022 the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) alerted New York State police about an image of child pornography that was uploaded on the Kik application. Police began investigating and the image was traced to Hjemdahl-Monsen, an emergency room nurse at Oishei Children's Hospital.
On September 21, investigators executed a search warrant at Hjemdahl-Monsen’s residence and seized 10 items. A video containing child pornography was allegedly found on Hjemdahl-Monsen’s iPhone. Several more videos containing child pornography were allegedly recovered from the iPhone after the items that were seized were turned over to the FBI.
Oishei Children's Hospital released a statement which said in part that Hjemdahl-Monsen was suspended on September 21 when it was made aware of the investigation and has now been terminated following his arrest. The statement also said that the materials were not connected to his role as an RN and did not involve any patient at the hospital.
You can read the full statement below:
“On September 21, the New York State Police made us aware of the investigation of Mr. Monsen. When initially contacted, the employee in question was immediately suspended, his badge access was revoked and he was barred from the hospital campus. With his subsequent arrest today (October 3), he has now been terminated from his employment as an RN with the hospital.
The New York State Police made it clear to us that the materials were not connected to his role as an RN and that they did not involve any patient at Children’s Hospital. The crimes alleged involve illegal activity on Mr. Monsen’s personal property (phone, computer, etc.) and personal internet activity.
Important to note that pre-employment criminal background checks are performed on all employees as a condition of employment. Our records confirm that there were no issues related to this employee at the time of his hiring, nor did he have any record of illegal conduct while employed at the hospital.
In the coming days, we will continue to assist the FBI/State Police investigation of this individual if needed.
We are dedicated to the health and safety of the patients and families that we serve. Our employment practices and policies, as demonstrated here, reflect our unwavering commitment to their well-being. Our thoughts go out to those impacted by this individual’s alleged reprehensible misconduct.”
On October 16, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced it is seeking assistance from the public on this case and those who have any information can contact the FBI Buffalo Office at 716-843-1611.
