Dr. Rajesh Patel Sentenced Two Years For Sexual Assault Of Patient

India-West Staff Reporter

ATLANTA, GA – Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a 69-year-old physician, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a female veteran during a medical exam at a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility. Patel was convicted of violating his patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity while acting under color of law and for the offense of abusive sexual contact, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced on February 21.

“Patel used his position of trust as a VA physician to sexually assault his female veteran patient who had honorably served our country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “His crimes were an egregious breach of that trust and an abuse of his power. This sentence prevents Patel from causing future harm to veterans who seek care from the VA.”

According to prosecutors, the assault took place in January 2020 during what should have been a routine medical examination. Patel unlawfully touched the victim’s breast and vaginal area without her consent and for no legitimate medical reason. A jury found him guilty on November 5, 2024.

In addition to his prison term, Patel has been sentenced to 15 years of supervised release, during which he is prohibited from practicing medicine.