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A 36-year-old physician from Webster, Texas, has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, according to Fox 26 Houston. Dwayne Dunbar, a pain medicine specialist practicing in the Houston area for eight years, is now facing serious allegations tied to his online interactions with minors. He has been released on a $75,000 bond.
Deer Park Police revealed that Dunbar allegedly used dating apps and social media platforms to target underage girls by posing as someone significantly younger. "He was portraying himself to be anywhere from 18 to 24 years of age and was engaging with multiple individuals online to establish relationships," said Lt. Chris Brown of the Deer Park Police Department.
Authorities first became involved in February when a school resource officer reported a possible case of child sexual assault. The victim, a 14-year-old girl, provided police with the Snapchat profile of the individual she claimed assaulted her. She told investigators that the account belonged to "Dwayne" and that she initially believed he was 19 or 20 years old.
Court documents state that between October and November 2024, Dunbar picked the girl up outside her home and took her to his apartment, where he allegedly provided her with alcohol before the assault occurred. Dunbar has admitted to meeting the girl at his apartment multiple times but denies any sexual contact.
Lt. Brown emphasized the severity of the case. "When someone with a respected position in the community abuses their status in this way, it’s deeply troubling. However, we remain committed to investigating every case like this thoroughly," he said.
Juan Guevara Torres, a technology expert, explained that these types of predatory actions are disturbingly frequent. He warned that platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat are often used by predators to create misleading profiles, some even enhanced by artificial intelligence to appear more authentic.
"Fake profiles often use hyperrealistic AI-generated images, making it harder to identify the true person behind the screen. Families need to watch for recently created accounts, which can be an early warning sign," said Guevara Torres. He urged parents to actively monitor their children’s social media accounts and interactions, even if it leads to disagreements. "Better to have a tough conversation now than face a situation like this later."
Anyone with knowledge of Dunbar’s activities or who might have been a victim is encouraged to contact the Deer Park Police Department. Police continue to investigate and hope more individuals will come forward.
Guevara Torres concluded by reminding families of the importance of ongoing vigilance. "Parents need to have full access to their kids’ social media accounts and monitor any messages. Auditing technology isn’t optional—it’s necessary for their safety."
Victims of sexual abuse often face complex legal and emotional challenges, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted professional like a doctor. Texas sexual abuse lawyer Anjali Nigam shares actionable information on the legal options available to victims, from reporting the crime to holding institutions accountable for negligence. Her insights aim to empower victims and their families to take necessary steps toward justice and healing.
Editor Darla Medina: What legal steps can victims of sexual assault by a doctor take?
Attorney Anjali Nigam: Victims have both criminal and civil avenues available. Criminally, they can report the assault to law enforcement, which can lead to charges being filed, as we've seen in this case. Beyond that, victims can pursue civil lawsuits against the perpetrator to seek compensation for damages, including emotional distress, medical expenses, and therapy costs.
Medina: What about accountability beyond the individual?
Nigam: That's an important question. If the doctor was practicing in a medical setting, victims can investigate whether the institution was negligent in hiring or supervising the individual. For example, if there were prior complaints against the doctor that were ignored, the hospital or clinic could also be held liable.
Medina: Are there unique challenges victims face in cases like this?
Nigam: Absolutely. Victims often feel hesitant to come forward due to the imbalance of power and the fear of not being believed. Additionally, when the accused occupies a position of trust, it can complicate the legal process emotionally for the victim. That’s why it’s critical for victims to have strong legal representation and emotional support.
Medina: What would you say to families concerned about their children’s safety in professional settings?
Nigam: I recommend staying informed and involved. Ask questions about the professionals interacting with your child, and don’t hesitate to speak up if you notice anything unusual. If something does happen, remember that the legal system is here to protect victims, and there are paths to pursue justice and accountability.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse by a medical professional, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Legal support is available to help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and let us guide you through this challenging time with care and determination.
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