HOSPITAL WORKER COLLAPSES IN COURT AFTER HEARING HE COULD FACE 100 YEARS OVER CHILD SEX CRIME CHARGES

Joshua James Lozano, 42, is accused of ten felony counts of child sexual exploitation after investigators allegedly traced online activity to his account.

A hospital worker accused of child sexual exploitation collapsed in a Phoenix courtroom after hearing the potential prison sentence he could face if convicted.

Joshua James Lozano, 42, appeared in court on Monday following an investigation by Glendale police into alleged online activity involving child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents cited by The Irish Sun, Lozano was charged with 10 felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

He is accused of accessing explicit material through his internet connection.

THE MOMENT HE COLLAPSED

Lozano reportedly fainted in court after learning that each of the 10 charges could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

That means the combined maximum exposure could reach 100 years if he were convicted on all counts and the sentences were imposed consecutively.

The court session was temporarily suspended as medical personnel were called to assist him.

After receiving treatment, Lozano was returned to police custody.

HOW POLICE SAY THE INVESTIGATION STARTED

The investigation reportedly began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted Glendale police to alleged explicit content associated with an internet provider.

Investigators then reportedly traced the activity using information including an account, phone number and IP address.

Police arrested Lozano last Thursday, according to the report.

Authorities have not publicly established through a conviction that he committed the alleged offenses. The charges remain allegations at this stage.

HE WORKED AT A HOSPITAL

Lozano is described as a 42-year-old hospital employee who worked cleaning surgical equipment at Banner Del Webb Hospital in Arizona.

The case has drawn attention partly because of the contrast between his ordinary professional role and the serious allegations now before the court.

But the accusations themselves will ultimately have to be tested through the criminal justice process.

STRICT CONDITIONS IF RELEASED

Prosecutors requested bail of more than £110,000, according to The Irish Sun.

If Lozano is released, the court has imposed stringent conditions, including restrictions on contact with minors and prohibitions on possessing a smartphone or accessing the internet.

He would also be required to wear an electronic monitoring device.

ANOTHER COURT APPEARANCE IS COMING

Lozano is scheduled to appear in court again on September 21.

For now, the case remains at the charging stage.

The allegations are serious, but Lozano has not been convicted of the charges against him.

The next court proceedings are expected to shed more light on the evidence prosecutors say connects him to the alleged offenses — and what happens next in the case.