A former doctor for the Department of Veterans Affairs found guilty The sexual assault of a senior patient during a routine physical exam at a division hospital in Georgia four years ago, according to the Department of Justice.

Rajesh Motibhai Patel(69) was accused of assaulting four patients but was found guilty by a federal jury in only one of the cases. In a statement, VA Inspector General Michael Missal, The official, whose office helped investigate the allegations, called the ruling an important step toward restoring patients’ trust in the health care system.

“VA employees are charged with keeping our nation’s veterans safe while receiving care. “Acts of violence against veterans at VA facilities are reprehensible and erode trust,” he said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who would commit these crimes.”

Patel was relieved of his duties at Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the spring of 2023 after department officials were notified of the sexual assault allegations. He previously worked there as a primary care physician.

Justice Department officials said Patel inappropriately groped female patients’ breasts and vaginal areas during multiple routine examinations between 2019 and 2020. A federal jury acquitted him of charges involving three victims, but found him guilty of assault in the fourth case.

“Veterans who consulted him for treatment, like the victim in this case, trusted Dr. Patel, and he violated that trust,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in a statement. “We hope his conviction will provide some measure of healing for those affected by his crimes.”

Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20.