Ex-Doctor Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Patient During Exam
MAYWOOD, Ill. (STMW) -- A suspended west suburban doctor was found guilty Monday of sexually assaulting a patient during an examination in 2005, and still faces charges of assaulting 15 others and operating without a suspended medical license.
A Cook County jury deliberated for about four hours before convicting Ricardo Arze, 53, of Berwyn, of criminal sexual assault following a trial at the Maywood Courthouse, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's office. He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced June 4.
According to prosecutors, the victim made an appointment to see the Arze in 2005 at his office in Berwyn after she began experiencing flu-like symptoms. Arze, a general practitioner, operated out of an office at 7124 W. Cermak Rd. in Berwyn, the release said.
The victim, who was 48 at the time and does not speak English, testified through a translator that Arze inappropriately touched her and sexually assaulted her during the exam, conduct she later reported to authorities.
After the initial report, prosecutors located numerous other patients who had experienced similar treatment by Arze during exams, the release said. In total, he is charged with assaulting 15 other patients, and of practicing medicine without a license.
After additional victims came forward in 2007, Arze's medical license was suspended by the Illinois Financial and Professional Regulation Department, but police were notified that he continued to see patioents, the release said.
Undercover officers went to Arze's office and he was arrested after providing treatment to an officer, the release said.
The other cases against Arze are pending.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
