Former UCLA Gynecologist Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse Charges

A former gynecologist at UCLA, James Heaps, has pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual abuse, following an overturning of a previous conviction. The 69-year-old admitted to several felonies, including six counts related to the abuse of unconscious patients. A judge promptly sentenced him to 11 years in prison, as reported by ABC7 Eyewitness News. Initially, in 2023, Heaps had been sentenced to the same duration after being found guilty of sexual assaults against two patients.

The Court of Appeal noted in February that Heaps did not receive a fair trial, due to the judge’s failure to inform his attorney about concerns expressed by the jury foreman regarding a juror’s English proficiency.

Heaps faced multiple charges from a grand jury in 2021, including sexual assault by deception and sexual exploitation of a patient, involving claims of abuse against seven women from 2009 to 2018. Patients have alleged that Heaps groped them, made inappropriate comments, and carried out unnecessary invasive procedures.

Nicole Gumpert, one of Heaps’ accusers, attended the sentencing and expressed her thoughts. “You have finally admitted what you have done. Your sentence falls short of what justice demands, but your legacy will be one of shame,” she stated.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hockman emphasized the significance of this ruling. “This marks the second time James Heaps will face accountability for the unconscionable crimes committed under the trust placed upon him,” he remarked.

Additionally, more than 300 former patients of Heaps have filed lawsuits against UCLA. The university has reportedly paid nearly $700 million to his accusers, a record for sexual abuse settlements linked to a public university.

Heaps’ attorney, Leonard Levin, has not provided any comments in response to requests from the media.