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California Plastic Surgeon Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 15 Patients
David Michelson was previously placed on probation for sexual misconduct and unprofessionalism in 1998.
For the second time in his career, a plastic surgeon in Southern California has been accused of sexually assaulting patients in his care.
David Michelson, 73, was initially arrested in August 2020 after one of his patients alleged that he digitally penetrated her and “orally copulated her breast” during a medical exam, according to an Oxnard Police Department press release.
Michelson was charged with 15 counts of sexual misconduct at the time. Over the next several months, numerous women came forward to report similar experiences with the surgeon, according to a news release by the Ventura District Attorney’s Office. On Thursday, Michelson was charged with 22 additional sexual assaults reported by 14 other women.
The alleged assaults took place between 2011 and 2019, according to the district attorney’s office. Most of the women involved were Spanish-speaking.
Michelson, whose website lists services including tummy tucks, butt lifts and breast augmentation, was ordered to surrender his medical license until Jan. 20, 2022.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to the release.
Michelson faced similar accusations decades ago when he was accused of several counts of sexual abuse and misconduct, according to a 1998 Los Angeles Times report. On one occasion, he was accused of kissing a patient on the side of her lips while examining her eyes. Another time, he allegedly needlessly massaged a patient’s shoulders while treating her for lower back pain.
After those incidents, he was put on three years’ probation for sexual misconduct and unprofessionalism, according to the Times.
Michelson’s bail was set at $100,000, according to the news release. The Ventura County jail told Oxygen.com that as of Monday, he's not listed as an inmate. His next court date is set for Feb. 17. It’s not clear if he has an attorney who can comment on his behalf.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-3922.
