Birmingham, Alabama, October 14, 2025
News Summary
A Jefferson County jury found Cornell Richards, a former behavioral health technician, not guilty of one felony charge related to sexual assault against psychiatric patients at Grandview Medical Center. However, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on six other charges, including rape and sexual abuse, leading to a retrial scheduled for July 13, 2026. Richards, 42, faced multiple allegations from patients and is also involved in a civil lawsuit with the hospital.
Birmingham, Alabama – A Jefferson County jury has found Cornell Richards, a former behavioral health technician at Grandview Medical Center, not guilty of one of seven felony charges relating to sexual assault against psychiatric patients. The jury, however, could not reach a unanimous verdict on six other charges, resulting in a set date for a retrial.
Richards, 42, was accused of committing sexual crimes against patients at Grandview in Birmingham throughout 2022. The unresolved charges include four felony counts of sexual abuse, one count of rape, and two counts of sodomy, all to which he pleaded not guilty. The unresolved charges are scheduled for a new trial date on July 13, 2026, as determined by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kechia Davis.
Prosecutors indicated the ongoing commitment to pursue justice for victims involved in the case. Deputy district attorneys Ashley Patterson and DeMario Thornton were instrumental in the prosecution efforts. An attorney representing Richards from Sheffield & Lentine PC has chosen not to comment on the verdict.
Richards faced allegations of sexual assault against at least four psychiatric patients at Grandview Medical Center, with incidents reported between July and September 2022. Following investigations into these allegations, he was arrested in late 2022 and subsequently indicted.
While the jury delivered a mixed verdict, the impact of the case extends beyond the criminal trial. Richards and Grandview Medical Center are also facing a civil lawsuit filed by at least four women, who claim the hospital did not properly vet Richards and neglected multiple reports of sexual abuse. The lawsuit identifies the plaintiffs, including a 42-year-old woman with schizophrenia, a 24-year-old woman with bipolar disorder and depression, a 26-year-old woman with bipolar disorder and severe manic behavior, and a 34-year-old woman with bipolar disorder. According to the lawsuit, Richards allegedly isolated himself with patients and coerced them into sexual acts.
As part of the ongoing civil litigation, a jury trial is scheduled for the civil case on October 19, 2026. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Chuck Price has ordered Richards and Grandview Medical Center to provide outstanding records for discovery by September of the following year. The court has expressed frustration over the hospital’s compliance, threatening sanctions as the hospital claims it has adhered to confidentiality limits.
Background Context
The charges against Richards highlight critical issues surrounding mental health facilities and the protection of vulnerable patient populations. The allegations against him, which include serious felony charges, have drawn attention to the responsibilities and oversight required in healthcare environments, particularly those serving individuals with psychiatric needs. The ongoing cases in both criminal and civil courts are part of a broader conversation about patient safety and institutional accountability in settings like Grandview Medical Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the verdict in the case against Cornell Richards?
A Jefferson County jury found Cornell Richards not guilty of one of seven felony charges related to sexual assault of psychiatric patients.
What were the charges against Richards?
Richards faced multiple felony charges after being accused of sexual crimes against patients at Grandview Medical Center. He was indicted on four felony counts of sexual abuse, one count of rape, and two counts of sodomy, to which he pleaded not guilty.
When is the new trial date for the unresolved charges?
The new trial date for the unresolved charges is scheduled for July 13, 2026.
What is the status of the civil lawsuit?
Richards and Grandview Medical Center are faced with a civil lawsuit from at least four women claiming the hospital failed to appropriately vet him and ignored multiple reports of sexual abuse. A jury trial for the civil case is scheduled for October 19, 2026.
What has the prosecution stated about the case?
Prosecutor Lauren Breland indicated that the office will continue to fight for justice for the victims in these cases.
What is the background of the victims involved in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit identifies the alleged victims as a 42-year-old woman with schizophrenia, a 24-year-old woman with bipolar disorder and depression, a 26-year-old woman with bipolar disorder and severe manic behavior, and a 34-year-old woman with bipolar disorder.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Cornell Richards |
| Not Guilty Verdict | One out of seven charges |
| Unresolved Charges | Six (4 sexual abuse, 1 rape, 2 sodomy) |
| New Trial Date | July 13, 2026 |
| Civil Lawsuit | Filed by at least four women |
| Civil Trial Date | October 19, 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: Jefferson County Youth Advocate Arrested
- KARK: Jefferson County Detention Deputy Arrested
- Denver7: Jefferson County Deputies Seek Help
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- Google Search: Jefferson County Sexual Assault News
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
