A hospital worker made a troubling discovery while attempting to return a lost phone to its owner, stumbling upon illicit images involving minors.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — What began as a routine search through a hospital’s lost and found turned into a significant legal issue when inappropriate content was found on a phone belonging to a healthcare worker. This incident was detailed in a report by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
On March 31, an off-duty officer responded to a call at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville’s security office on Prudential Drive. A woman had inquired whether her phone was among those in the lost and found, mentioning that her device could be identified by the latest photo in its gallery.
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Only one of the three phones that matched the caller’s description was unlocked, according to the hospital employee. Upon accessing the iPhone’s photo gallery, the worker discovered images depicting the sexual abuse of children, as stated in the report.
The phone was traced back to James “Kurt” Auwaerter, a 62-year-old home health physical therapist. He had reportedly informed the complainant that he left the phone charging and intended to retrieve it when he returned to work.
Authorities obtained a search warrant and found over 550 questionable images and videos on Auwaerter’s devices, including two that involved child sexual battery, as detailed in the report.
Auwaerter was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on May 15 and booked into the Duval County jail on 10 charges of possessing ten or more images of child sexual abuse material. His arraignment is scheduled for early June.
Baptist Health told First Coast News Auwaerter has been fired following the criminal charges. They provided the following statement:
“We are very disappointed to learn of disturbing news that former employee James Auwaerter was involved in possessing inappropriate sexual images from outside of his employment. Baptist Health terminated Auwaerter immediately upon receipt of the arrest report. Auwaerter underwent the highest level of pre-employment and background checks at the time of hire in 2024 as a physical therapist serving only adult patients.
Background screenings include reference and employment history checks, as well as criminal record checks conducted through local and state law enforcement agencies. Clinicians also undergo additional background screening, including monitoring by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Baptist Health is committed to the safety and well-being of our patients, visitors, team members, and our community, and maintains zero tolerance for behavior like this. Auwaerter’s actions do not reflect Baptist Health’s values, mission, or standards.
Questions should be addressed to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.”
