Former VA doctor found guilty of sexually assaulting patient

Former Department of Veterans Affairs physician found guilty Four years ago, he sexually assaulted a veteran patient during a routine medical examination at a local hospital in Georgia, according to the Justice Department.

Rajesh Motibhai PatelThe 69-year-old was accused of assaulting four patients, but was found guilty by a federal jury in only one of the cases. In the statement Virginia Inspector General Michael Missal whose office helped investigate the allegations, called the verdict an important step toward restoring patients’ trust in the health care system.

“VA employees are charged with ensuring the safety of our nation’s veterans while receiving medical care. Acts of violence against veterans in VA facilities are reprehensible and undermine that trust,” he said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who commits these crimes.”

Patel was removed from his post at the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Atlanta in the spring of 2023 after department officials were informed of sexual assault allegations. He previously worked there as a primary care physician.

Justice Department officials said Patel inappropriately groped female patients’ breasts and vaginal areas during numerous routine examinations between 2019 and 2020. A federal jury acquitted him of charges related to three victims but found him guilty of assault in the fourth case.

“The veterans who consulted him about treatment, like the victim in this case, trusted Dr. Patel, and he violated that trust,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in a statement. “We hope his conviction will bring some healing to those affected by his crimes.”

Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20.