The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating.
Recently, it was revealed that the University of Southern California has received hundreds of complaints about a former school gynecologist, Dr. George Tyndall. He is accused of conducting inappropriate gynecological exams for decades, often targeting the school’s Asian students. To date, more than two dozen lawsuits have been filed and more than 50 women have filed complaints with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Dr. Tyndall’s conduct occurred from 1990 to 2016. The lawsuits allege that he used his authority as the school’s staff gynecologist to grope and penetrate patients, as well as to take photos of patients and make inappropriate comments. He also was accused of conducting exams without gloves. In 2016, USC concluded that Dr. Tyndall violated its policies on harassment and making racially discriminatory and sexually inappropriate remarks, but concluded that there was no criminal activity to report.
The LAPD is current investigating the complaints against Dr. Tyndall. While inappropriate comments are not crimes under California law, it is possible that he may be charged with a crime related to sexual assault. For example, sexual battery prohibits touching the intimate part of another person for purposes of sexual gratification, arousal or abuse. According to a criminal attorney Los Angeles, CA, it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. In Dr. Tyndall’s case, because his patient’s were likely unaware f what he was doing because they believed that the touching was for medical purposes, he may be charged with felony sexual battery. Felony sexual battery can result in a sentence of between 2 and 4 years in California state prison, and a maximum $10,000 fine for each offense.
However, because Dr. Tyndall is a doctor, a skilled criminal attorney Los Angeles, CA may be able to argue that the allegedly inappropriate touching was simply part of the medical examination. These and other defenses are other appropriate in sexual battery cases. An experienced criminal attorney Los Angeles, CA can work with a suspect in a criminal case to develop other factual and legal defenses to a charge. For example, if an alleged victim consented to the touching, that could be a defense to the charge.
In Dr. Tyndall’s case, the number of accusers will likely make it more difficult to defend against sexual battery or related charges. However, in many California sex crime cases, a knowledgeable criminal attorney Los Angeles, CA can put together a strong case to achieve a favorable outcome, which may include a dismissal or reduction of the charges, or a plea deal.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we represent people who have been charged with a range of crimes, including those related to sexual assault and battery. We aggressively defend our clients to help secure their rights and freedom. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a criminal attorney Los Angeles, CA.
