Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Atlanta, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison. The sentencing follows his conviction for violating a patient's constitutional right to bodily integrity and committing abusive sexual contact.
"Patel used his position of trust as a VA physician to sexually assault his female veteran patient who had honorably served our country," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He described the crimes as "an egregious breach of that trust and an abuse of his power."
Special Agent in Charge David Spilker from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office remarked, "This sentence holds Dr. Patel accountable for the vile acts he committed while serving as a VA physician." He emphasized that such acts erode trust in VA facilities.
According to court records presented by Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, Patel was convicted for actions during a routine medical exam in January 2020 where he unlawfully touched a female veteran patient without her consent and for no legitimate medical purpose.
Patel, aged 69 from Lilburn, Georgia, will serve two years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release during which he is prohibited from practicing medicine. A jury found him guilty on November 5, 2024.
The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin N. Spritzer and Jennifer Keen.
For further information regarding this case, contact can be made with the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone.