A disturbing scandal has erupted at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System after 37-year-old former senior ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti was accused by multiple patients’ families of unwanted sexual contact, invasive predatory behavior, and exploiting some of the most vulnerable veterans under his care.

The allegations first surfaced in late January 2026 when several families contacted VA leadership and local media, claiming Pretti had engaged in inappropriate touching, lewd comments, and non-consensual physical contact with elderly, disabled, and sedated patients during overnight shifts between 2023 and 2025. One family alleged that Pretti repeatedly entered a comatose veteran’s room under the pretense of “checking vitals” and made sexually suggestive remarks while the patient was unable to respond or consent.

The VA launched an immediate internal investigation and terminated Pretti’s employment on January 28, 2026. In a public statement, hospital director Dr. Elena Vasquez said: “Patient safety is our absolute top priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will take every necessary step to protect our veterans and ensure accountability.” Minneapolis Police Department confirmed they are actively investigating multiple complaints of sexual assault and abuse of vulnerable adults, with potential charges pending forensic interviews and medical record reviews.

The case has stunned colleagues and the wider community. Pretti had been widely regarded as a compassionate, dedicated nurse who often worked extra shifts and was praised for his calm demeanor during high-pressure ICU situations. Coworkers described him as “the guy you wanted in the room when a patient was crashing.” Yet several former staff members have now come forward anonymously, saying they witnessed “concerning” behavior over the years but were afraid to speak up due to workplace culture and fear of retaliation.

Families of affected veterans have spoken out publicly, demanding transparency and justice. One mother, whose 72-year-old father with dementia was allegedly assaulted, told reporters: “We trusted the VA with his life. Instead, he was violated when he was at his most helpless. How many others are there? We want every patient file reviewed.”

The allegations have triggered a broader VA-wide review of patient-safety protocols, staffing ratios on night shifts, and whistleblower protections. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General has also opened a parallel investigation into whether supervisors ignored earlier red flags or failed to act on complaints.

Public reaction has been swift and intense. #JusticeForVets and #VANurseScandal trended nationwide, with thousands sharing stories of their own experiences in VA hospitals and calling for systemic change. Veterans’ advocacy groups have demanded immediate reforms, including mandatory body cameras for patient-care staff, stricter background checks, and independent oversight of abuse complaints.

Pretti has not been formally charged as of publication, and his attorney has issued a statement denying all allegations and calling them “false, defamatory, and motivated by personal grievances.” However, the mounting number of accusers and the graphic nature of the claims have already damaged his reputation irreparably.

For the families involved, the pain is profound. Veterans who survived wars and life-threatening illnesses now face the added trauma of alleged abuse by the very people entrusted to heal them. As one daughter of a victim said: “My dad survived three tours in Vietnam, only to be betrayed in the one place he thought was safe.”

The Minneapolis VA has established a dedicated hotline for any patient or family member with concerns and has promised full cooperation with all investigations. Meanwhile, the nursing community has expressed shock and grief, with many saying the allegations tarnish the profession’s reputation and make an already difficult job even harder.

As the investigation deepens and more details emerge, the case of Alex Pretti has become a painful flashpoint for larger conversations about patient safety, accountability in healthcare, and the vulnerability of those who depend on others for care. For now, the families wait for answers — and for justice.