An Orange County liver doctor was arrested after being accused of groping two patients during medical exams, prosecutors said.
Dr. John Carl Hoefs, 79, faces seven counts of sexual assault for allegedly fondling women's breasts during exams, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Prosecutors alleged that Hoefs, who worked at a medical office in Irvine affiliated with Hoag, the nonprofit regional health care network, assaulted a woman five times starting in 2020, prosecutors said.
Hoefs would lift the woman's medical gown to grope her, and when she tried to cover herself, he would remove the gown from her again, according to prosecutors.
Another woman said Hoefs groped her during exams in October and November 2016.
Hoefs was arrested on May 3 and released on $500,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for June 13. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if he is convicted of all charges.
Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying additional potential victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Irvine Police Detective. Rebecca Steen at (949) 724-7170 or email [email protected].
