VA Medical Center Doctor in Decatur Accused of Sexually Assaulting Female Veteran Patients

Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a primary care physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia, has been indicted on multiple counts of violating his patients’ constitutional right to bodily integrity while acting under color of law and for engaging in unwanted sexual contact.

“Our Veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country and deserve the best medical treatment and highest quality of care,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.  “Patel allegedly sexually abused his female patients and violated his oath to do no harm to patients under his care.”

“Veterans and their families expect and deserve the highest quality of health care delivered in a safe and accountable setting,” said VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal. “The VA Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of those who entrust their health care to the providers and staff at VA’s 1,200 medical facilities.”

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between 2019 and 2020, Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, allegedly assaulted four of his female patients during routine exams, groped their breasts, and improperly touched their vaginal area.

Investigators believe that Dr. Rajesh Motibhai Patel, 68, of Lilburn, Georgia, may have victimized additional patients. If you have information related to Dr. Patel that could further the investigation, or if you suspect that a particular person may have been one of his victims, please call the VA-OIG tipline at (770) 758-6646.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges.  The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin N. Spritzer and Jennifer Keen are prosecuting the case.