UCLA Gynecologist Who Worked For Over 30 Years Accused of Sexual Abuse

A longtime gynecologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, was charged with sexual battery by fraud against two patients, as reported by the INSIDER. UCLA reps issued the apologies Monday, while Dr. James Heaps pleaded not guilty to the charges. Heaps was released without bail, as his attorney called the allegations baseless, reports the Associated Press. The Typical Student team learned the details. 

UCLA Investigation On Heaps

As mentioned in the Q&A section on UCLA's website, Heaps was investigated by UCLA after the university received a complaint about "inappropriate and medically unnecessary touching and communications during a gynecologic procedure." Three other patients came forward with similar allegations, so now UCLA is encouraging other students to voice their complaints against Heaps. 

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and former Chancellor John Mazziotta released a joint statement: "Sexual abuse in any form is unacceptable and represents an inexcusable breach of the physician-patient relationship.  We are deeply sorry that a former UCLA physician violated our policies and standards, our trust and the trust of his patients."

Dr. Heaps' Background 

Heaps has been a practicing gynecologist at UCLA for 36 years (since 1983) and worked part-time at the UCLA student health center until 2010. He was then hired by UCLA Health in 2014. As reported by the Associated Press, the charges of sexual battery are allegedly related to the incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2018 at UCLA Health. The INSIDER tells "compensation records show that Heaps earned $1.045 million in 2017," according to the available university's pay data.