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According to AZFamily, Dr. Edsel Sandoval, a prominent medical doctor in Yuma, has entered a plea of not guilty in response to seven counts of sexual abuse and sexual assault. However, his legal battles have intensified as new charges have been brought forth by women who were once his patients at his medical office located at 1965 W 24th St Suite A, Yuma, AZ 85364.
The Yuma Police Department has revealed that eight additional women have come forward, alleging misconduct by Sandoval. Lori Franklin, spokesperson for the Yuma Police Department, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "There's now eleven victims and 21 counts that Sandoval is facing."
According to court documents, the reported incidents of abuse span from April 2022 to March of last year. The three victims named in the court filing are all women aged between 20 and 43 years. The indictment against Sandoval asserts that he purposefully and knowingly engaged in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or oral sexual conduct without the consent of the victims.
Sandoval's arrest took place in February 2024, at Sunset Health, a medical clinic in Yuma where he had been practicing for the past five months. Prior to that, he was employed by the esteemed Yuma Regional Medical Center, as confirmed by a social media post from a year ago in which he was recognized as a healthcare hero.
Yuma police are urging potential survivors to come forward, suspecting that there may be more victims. Lori Franklin emphasized, "One thing they have in common is that they are all women, all the victims are female. There are all age ranges from the time that they were victims from 18 to 65 years old. If you think you're a victim of something, call us and talk to us about it."
As the investigation continues, Sandoval's medical license has been suspended, halting his practice indefinitely.
Sandoval is scheduled to appear in court again in June to face the mounting charges against him. The case has drawn significant attention and concern within the Yuma community, as residents await justice for the victims and further developments in the legal proceedings.
In a recent interview, experienced sexual assault attorney Kevin Biniazan, discussed the legal rights available to patients who have suffered from doctor sex abuse. With the recent allegations against Dr. Edsel Sandoval in mind, the conversation explores avenues for seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable. Join us as we take a deeper look into the insights provided by Attorney Biniazan, an experienced advocate for victims of sexual abuse in the medical field.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Biniazan. In light of the recent allegations against Dr. Edsel Sandoval, could you shed some light on the legal rights available for patients who have been sexually abused or assaulted by a doctor?
Attorney Kevin Biniazan (KB): Thank you for having me, Darla. It's crucial to address the legal rights of patients who have experienced such abuse. Victims of doctor sex abuse have the right to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable. The legal system provides avenues for victims to pursue compensation and ensure their voices are heard.
DM: That's important information. How can victims go about seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable in cases like these?
KB: Victims should first and foremost reach out to law enforcement and report the abuse. It's essential to document any evidence and gather information about the incident. Seeking medical attention and counseling is also crucial for both physical and emotional well-being.
In terms of legal action, victims can consult with an attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases. These attorneys can guide them through the legal process, explain their rights, and help them build a strong case. It's important to remember that each case is unique, and an experienced attorney will provide personalized guidance based on the specific circumstances.
DM: Thank you for sharing, Mr. Biniazan. Is there anything else you would like to add for survivors of doctor sex abuse?
KB: I want to emphasize that victims of doctor sex abuse should not hesitate to come forward and seek the help they deserve. They are not alone, and there are resources available to support them throughout their legal journey. It's essential to break the silence, raise awareness, and hold accountable those who have committed these heinous acts.
If you or a loved one have been victims of doctor sex abuse, we understand the pain and trauma you may have endured. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey towards justice. Contact us today for a free consultation, where we will listen to your story, provide guidance on your legal rights, and offer compassionate assistance every step of the way. You don't have to face this alone—reach out to us and let us help you seek the justice you deserve.
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