Former UCLA Doctor Sentenced for Sexual Assault
A former doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) received an 11-year prison sentence on Tuesday after being charged with sexually assaulting patients during his tenure as the school’s obstetrician-gynecologist.
James Heaps, 69, pled guilty to a total of 13 counts, which included six felony charges for sexual penetration of an unconscious person, five charges for sexual assault by deception, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a patient, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Throughout his 35-year career at UCLA, the university reportedly spent close to $700 million on civil lawsuits related to his actions.
Following his sentence, Heaps will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Court Rulings Impact Sentence
Heaps’ guilty plea came after a California appeals court ruled in 2023 that he did not receive a fair trial, largely due to a juror’s inadequate command of English.
“Justice has been slow, but it’s finally here,” said Heaps’ attorney, Leonard Levin. He maintained a sense of optimism, suggesting that acquittal might eventually come for Heaps.
However, prosecutors viewed the situation quite differently.
“Today marks the second time we hold Mr. James Heaps accountable for the unconscionable crimes he committed while entrusted with patient safety,” Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hockman stated. “For years, Heaps exploited the sacred trust between doctor and patient to prey on vulnerable victims during medical procedures. This verdict finally acknowledges the harm he inflicted under the guise of care.”
He expressed hope that survivors could find closure, emphasizing the commitment to fight for those who have suffered at the hands of such abuse.
In 2023, former patients accused Heaps of groping, making inappropriate comments, and performing unnecessarily invasive tests at various campus health facilities. Their claims included allegations that the university ignored their complaints about his behavior.
