OC Prosecutor: Physician's Assistant Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Patient May Have Had More Victims
FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — A physician's assistant scheduled to be arraigned on charges of sexually assaulting a patient may have had other victims, the Orange County District Attorney's Office said Tuesday.
Physician's assistant Rocael Gomez is accused of victimizing a female patient who was seeking treatment for pain.
Physician's Assistant Charged With Sex Crimes
The 48-year-old La Mirada resident has been charged with felony counts of sexual battery by fraud and sexual penetration of an unconscious victim by a foreign object, according to Deputy District Attorney Jess Rodriguez.
The alleged assault of a 51-year-old patient took place at the Anaheim Market Clinic on Jan. 4, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutor Rodriguez said the abuse likely happened to other patients who are reluctant to talk about it. Gomez also saw patients at the Bansuan Medical Clinic in El Monte.
"And when you add in the factor of the doctor-patient relationship you can see how it might be even tougher for someone to admit what had happened," Rodriguez said. "So we're hoping that by shedding some light on this case that it may give someone else out there the strength to come forward."
Arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday. If convicted, Gomez could face a nine-year sentence and be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Supervising District Attorney Investigator Paul Carvo: (714) 347-8794.
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