Veterans Affairs Doctor in Atlanta Receives Two-Year Prison Term for Sexual Assault on Patient

Dr. Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a former physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a female veteran patient during a routine medical examination. The sentencing follows his conviction on charges of violating the patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity while acting under color of law and engaging in abusive sexual contact.

The assault occurred in January 2020, when Dr. Patel, 69, unlawfully touched the victim’s breast and vaginal area without her consent and without any legitimate medical purpose. Following an eight-day trial, a jury found him guilty on November 5, 2024. In addition to his prison term, Dr. Patel will serve 15 years of supervised release, during which he is prohibited from practicing medicine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, “Patel used his position of trust as a VA physician to sexually assault his female veteran patient who had honorably served our country. His crimes were an egregious breach of that trust and an abuse of his power.” Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office added, “This sentence holds Dr. Patel accountable for the vile acts he committed while serving as a VA physician.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin N. Spritzer and Jennifer Keen.