A Georgia doctor has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a female veteran during a medical examination at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Rajesh Motibhai Patel, 69, was found guilty by a jury in November 2024 of violating his patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity and engaging in abusive sexual contact.
Dr. Patel, a former physician at the VA Medical Center, violated his position of trust by sexually assaulting a veteran during a routine medical exam in January 2020. Without her consent and without any legitimate medical reason, he inappropriately touched the victim’s breast and vaginal area.
“Patel used his position of trust as a VA physician to sexually assault his female veteran patient who had honorably served our country,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “His crimes were an egregious breach of that trust and an abuse of his power. This sentence prevents Patel from causing future harm to veterans who seek care from the VA.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
Special Agent in Charge David Spilker stressed the seriousness of the crime, stating that the sentence serves to hold Dr. Patel responsible for the heinous acts he committed while working as a VA physician. It is the duty of VA employees to ensure the safety of our nation’s veterans during their care. Acts of violence against veterans within VA facilities are not only morally wrong but also undermine the trust placed in the healthcare system.
Patel, after being convicted in a jury trial on November 5, 2024, will not only face a prison sentence but will also be subject to 15 years of supervised release. During this period, he is not allowed to practice medicine.