An Irvine doctor who focuses on treating liver disease is suspected of sexually abusing two patients.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Dr. John Carl Hoefs, 79, arrested May 3 and charged with seven counts of sexual assault. He was released after posting $500,000 bail.
Hoefs is accused of grabbing the breasts of two patients during examinations at a physician's office affiliated with Hoag Hospital in Irvine.
He is suspected of attacking a patient affected by liver disease starting in 2020 and on 4 other occasions, prosecutors said. The attacks included the girl's breasts being exposed and grabbed during doctor's visits, with Hoefs accused of removing the robe after the patient tried to cover herself.
Authorities say one other woman was groped in 2016 and 2017.
“Sexual predators come in all forms and in all walks of life – even those who wear white medical coats,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in an announcement Thursday. “Women seeking potentially life-saving medical treatment should not be subjected to sexual abuse by the medical professionals to whom they have trusted their lives.”
Hoefs, a hepatologist, can also be affiliated with the University of California, Irvine and the Liver Specialty Center in Irvine.
He is scheduled to go on trial June 13 on the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, where he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison if found guilty on all seven counts.
Anyone with additional details about Hoefs' activities or other potential victims should contact Irvine Police Department Detective Rebecca Steen at 949-724-7170 or email rsteen@cityofirvine.org.
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