Hospital worker pleads no contest in sex case

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- A hospital caretaker accused of having a sexual relationship with an underage girl in his care has reached a plea bargain with prosecutors that spares him additional jail time.

Antonio Quiroz, 31, of Montclair, pleaded no contest Tuesday in West Valley Superior Court to a misdemeanor battery charge. Two felonies related to the sex accusations were dismissed.

Quiroz, who worked at Canyon Ridge Hospital in Chino, was sentenced Tuesday to one year of probation, but will not have to serve additional jail time. He was credited for 65 days in custody at his sentencing hearing.

Prosecutors accused Quiroz of having sex with the girl, a patient at the hospital, when she was 15 years old. Canyon Ridge Hospital is a psychiatric facility that offers treatment for behavioral health and substance abuse.

Deputy District Attorney Jason Anderson said he agreed to let Quiroz plead no contest to a misdemeanor because the case "turned out to be a toss-up" after Quiroz's defense attorney uncovered evidence supporting an alibi against some of the girl's allegations.