CHARLESTON, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – On Monday, a former doctor of osteopathic medicine employed by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Beckley will be sentenced for sexually abusing several patients during therapy sessions.
In September, Jonathan Yates, 51, of Bluefield, Virginia, pleaded guilty to three counts of depriving veterans of their civil rights under color of law by sexually abusing them. Nearly 50 victims have come forward and sued the Beckley VA Medical Center because of the emotional trauma they experienced following Yates’ confession.
Yates admitted to sexually abusing the victims who were seeking treatment for chronic pain through osteopathic manipulative therapy. Court reports state that Yates actions caused the victims further pain.
Yates was indicted in May 2020 for molesting six patients over five months (September of 2018 to February of 2019.) He faces a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
Monday’s sentencing will be held at the federal courthouse in Beckley. Yates will appear before U.S. Judge Frank Volk at 1 p.m.