Ex-UCLA doctor admits to sexually abusing 5 patients after previous conviction overturned

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A former UCLA gynecologist pleaded guilty Tuesday to sexually abusing five of his patients during examinations, and the once-renowned cancer expert was sentenced to 11 years in state prison.James Heaps, 70, pleaded guilty to 13 felonies, including multiple counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person, and must register as a sex offender for life.The plea came after a three-justice panel of the California 2nd District Court of Appeal overturned his conviction for sexual abuse of two patients with three counts of sexual battery by fraud and two counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person.

The court determined that the trial judge failed to inform his lawyers that some of the jurors raised questions about the English proficiency of one of the panel members and ordered a retrial.Heaps has been in state prison since 2022, and agreed to plead guilty to charges involving not only the two women he was previously convicted of abusing, but also three women whose allegations the prior jury hung on during deliberations.At a second trial, Heaps faced the prospect of more charges and a potential conviction with a longer sentence.

Deputy Dist.Atty.

Danette Meyers said Tuesday’s plea means Heaps will be eligible for parole in 2028 with time served.More than 500 lawsuits were filed against Heaps and UCLA, accusing the school of failing to protect patients after becoming aware of the misconduct.

UCLA paid more $700 million to settle those lawsuits.“Now you have finally admitted what you have done, and while your sentence falls short of the justice truly demands, your ultimate prison will endure in perpetuity, a depraved legacy stripped of respect, honor, and integrity filled instead with shame,” Nicole Gumpert, one of his victims, told him and the judge at sentencing.“History will not remember you for reverence.

It will remember you with contempt.Your name will carr...