Northern Virginia Bureau Reporter David Culver has the story of a Fairfax County doctor arrested and charged with inappropriately touching a patient.
A 75-year-old doctor in Fairfax County, Virginia, has been accused of inappropriately touching a patient during an exam -- and police say they are looking for more people he may have abused.
Dr. Fausto Fernandez, of Alexandria, has been charged with sexual battery, police said.
Police said on June 23, a 30-year-old man reported to police he went to the HIBP Medical Services center at 6911 Richmond Highway where Fernandez works as a family physician.
Fernandez entered the exam room and asked the man about why he was at the doctor's office.
“During the exam interview, the doctor allegedly requested that he remove his clothes and touched him inappropriately during the exam,” said Fairfax County Police Officer Tawny Wright.
News4 has learned the patient is a Latino immigrant and wasn't familiar with what to expect during a doctor's visit, but knew the exam was not right.
“He did question the doctor about what was going on a couple of times, but ultimately just complied with the doctor and they went through the exam,” Wright said.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
The man notified police later that night and after a lengthy investigation, police obtained a criminal warrant against Fernandez on Wednesday.
Fernandez turned himself in to police on Thursday, police said.
Investigators believe there could be more victims because many of Fernandez's patients are Latino immigrants who speak Spanish.
“They aren’t even aware of their individual rights,” said Brian Murray, an immigration attorney.
Murray, who is not connected to this case, said the immigrants he has represented were hesitant to come forward and report crimes.
“They do need to go forward but they should probably, at least consult with counsel to make sure that their status in this country is protected, because they do have certain rights,” Murray said.
Fernandez has been released from jail.
News4's attempts to contact Fernandez's office were not successful.
