A Georgia doctor who sexually assaulted a female veteran during a medical examination at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center has been sentenced to two years in federal prison. Rajesh Motibhai Patel, 69, was convicted by a jury in November 2024 for violating his patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity and for abusive sexual contact.
Patel, a former physician at the VA Medical Center, abused his position of trust by sexually assaulting the veteran during a routine medical exam in January 2020. He inappropriately touched the victim’s breast and vaginal area without her consent and with no legitimate medical justification.
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“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 Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated the case.
Special Agent in Charge David Spilker emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, “This sentence holds Dr. Patel accountable for the vile acts he committed while serving as a VA physician. VA employees are entrusted with keeping our nation’s veterans safe while receiving care. Acts of violence against veterans in VA facilities are reprehensible and erode that trust.”
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In addition to the prison sentence, Patel will serve 15 years of supervised release and is prohibited from practicing medicine during that time. He was found guilty on November 5, 2024, following a jury trial.
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