An Orange County, California infectious disease doctor specializing in treating members of the LGBTQ+ community has been charged with sexually assaulting nine male patients, according to officials from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Dr. William Thompson IV, 56, of Huntington Beach, faces multiple felony charges, including sexual penetration by means of fraudulent representation of professional purpose, sexual battery by fraud, and forcible oral copulation.
The alleged assaults occurred between 2016 and 2020, with the victims stating that the assaults were disguised as necessary medical exams. The charges include incidents of forcing one patient to orally copulate him and performing medically unnecessary anal exams. Six of Thompson’s patients disclosed the sexual assaults after realizing that the medical procedures were not medically necessary.
Thompson, who describes himself as a general practitioner serving the LGBTQ community, was arrested at his Newport Beach medical practice last week. The arrest followed a joint investigation by the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Newport Beach Police Department. Thompson is affiliated with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
In addition to the sexual assault charges, Thompson was previously arrested in April 2021 for driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol content of .38. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts related to the incident.
If convicted on all counts, Thompson could face a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in prison, along with an additional 25 years. He is currently out on $100,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on November 2.
District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed concern over Thompson’s exploitation of vulnerable patients, stating that a doctor’s office should be a safe space for patients to share their vulnerabilities without fear of being preyed upon. Investigators are urging the public to come forward with any additional information or potential victims in this case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3682. Anonymous tips can be provided to 1-800-550-6273.
