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Former UCLA Gynecologist Sentenced to 11 Years for Patient Abuse

4/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. James Heaps, a former UCLA gynecologist, pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Heaps admitted abusing patients from 2011 to 2018, including six counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the sentence holds Heaps accountable for exploiting the doctor-patient trust.
UCLA has paid nearly $700 million in settlements related to Heaps' misconduct.

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Story summary

Dr. James Heaps, a former UCLA gynecologist, pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Heaps admitted abusing patients from 2011 to 2018, including six counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the sentence holds Heaps accountable for exploiting the doctor-patient trust.
UCLA has paid nearly $700 million in settlements related to Heaps' misconduct.