New charges were filed on Friday against a now-fired UNC Rex nurse accused of sexually assaulting three patients while he worked at the hospital.

Brayan Alvarez Ortiz faces additional charges for kidnapping and sexual battery. Raleigh police say he assaulted patients on three separate occasions while they were sedated and recovering from surgery.

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The accusations are alarming for former classmate Kali McKeel, who says it’s out of character for the person she once went to school with.

“To hear this is just weird, and it's crazy,” McKeel said. “He honestly was very, very sweet. He was very shy.”

During his first court appearance on Thursday, the state prosecutor said Ortiz is in the United States on a green card, which means immigration authorities may also have a part to play in his case.

“Immigration I’m sure is aware of this individual, of his immigration status, and will likely be paying very close attention,” said Immigration Attorney Chris Barnes.

Sex offenses and felony assaults are considered deportable offenses for those without U.S. citizenship.

If Ortiz is convicted of the crimes he’s accused of, or if he pleads guilty in a plea deal, he may face deportation even if he completes sentencing or adheres to conditions laid out in an agreement. Dismissal of a case in criminal court does not necessarily mean it will clear a defendant of immigration consequences.

“He may already have what’s called a Notice to Appear in removal proceedings, but because he’s not yet eligible for release for him to be transferred from state to federal custody for the immigration issue, he will likely not face removal proceedings until this issue is resolved, meaning the criminal issue,” Barnes said.

Ortiz is currently in jail under no bond, but Barnes said it’s likely immigration will hold him on a detainer if he bonds out before criminal proceedings.

“Especially with the seriousness of the charges and the notoriety of the case, his release would be a surprise to me,” Barnes said.

Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim is asked to call Raleigh police at 919-996-2000 or contact CrimeStoppers at 919-996-1193 or leave an anonymous tip by visiting raleighcrimestoppers.org.

UNC Health has set up a confidential phone line where patients and family members can report concerns at 919-784-1800, and someone will contact them as soon as possible, the hospital said.