Veterans Affairs doctor indicted on charges of sexual abuse, bodily injury on patients

A federal grand jury has indicted a West Virginia doctor on charges of abusive sexual contact, in connection him treating patients when he worked for Veterans Affairs. 

Dr. Jonathan Yates worked at the agency's medical center in Buckley, West Virginia, as a practitioner of osteopathic medicine.

The seven-count indictment, which also includes allegations of federal civil rights violations, alleges that Yates over a six-month period molested six male patients during their appointments.

The indictment claims that he immobilized two of the patients by using acupuncture needles and neck cracking techniques.

If convicted, Yates could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Five of the six victims suffered bodily injury at the hands of the doctor, depriving them of their constitutional right to bodily integrity, insofar as Yates was acting as a federal employee.

The FBI is continuing their investigation of Dr. Yates.

Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband commended the work of the FBI and the Veterans Affairs's police department and Office of Inspector General.