Orange County Doctor Who Specializes in Treating LGBTQ+ Community Accused of Assaulting Male Patients

Authorities said that Dr. William Thompson IV was charged with sexually assaulting nine male patients under the pretense of performing medical examinations

A doctor in Orange County, California has been charged with sexually assaulting nine male patients between 2016 and 2020, authorities say.

A Tuesday news release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office stated that William Thompson IV, 56, of Huntington Beach — an infectious disease doctor who specializes in treating members of the LGBTQ+ community — has been charged with the following: eight felony counts of sexual penetration by means of fraudulent representation of professional purpose; three felony counts of sexual battery by fraud; and two felony counts of forcible oral copulation.

The district attorney’s office alleged that Thompson committed the assaults under the pretense of performing medically necessary exams.

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“Many of Dr. Thompson’s patients depended on him to provide life-saving care and he exploited those vulnerabilities for his own sexual gratification,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in the press statement.

“Unfortunately, because of his specialized area of practice, Dr. Thompson put the very patients he was supposed to treat with professionalism and dignity, in a situation where they may have felt they had no other choice but to be subjected to sexual abuse in order to receive the treatment they needed to continue to live," he continued.

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“A doctor’s office should be a place where patients can safely share their most personal vulnerabilities without having to fear they will be preyed upon by a sexual predator,” Spitzer added. “No one should be violated in such a shameful way by someone who has taken an oath to protect their patients.”

According to the district attorney’s office, six patients alleged that they were sexually assaulted by Thompson after learning the procedures that were conducted on them were not medically necessary. Authorities then noted that Thompson had been charged with sexually assaulting nine male patients, and alleged that the assaults took place between 2016 and 2020.

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According to the release, an investigation was carried out by the California Department of Consumer Affairs and the Newport Beach Police Department, which led to the arrest of Thompson on Sept. 20. He was released on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 2 in Newport Beach.

Thompson — who is affiliated with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Orange County, according to the district attorney’s office — could face a maximum sentence of 30 years to life with an additional 25 years if he is convicted on all counts.

Thompson did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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The district attorney’s office also said that Thompson was previously arrested in April 2021 on suspicion of driving under the influence. At the time of his arrest, Thompson had a blood alcohol level of .38, authorities stated — adding that the doctor pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence and one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of more than .08%.

Authorities are asking the public to contact the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3682 for information about Thompson’s "activities or any other potential victims." Those who would like to phone in their tips anonymously can call 1-800-550-6273.

Orange County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's inquiry as to whether Thompson has an attorney representing him.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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