A Ventura County plastic surgeon charged with sexually assaulting more than a dozen patients has died. 74 year old David Michelson of Newbury Park passed away at a Los Angeles hospital. There’s no word on the cause of death.
Ventura County prosecutors say he had been charged with sexually assaulting 15 female patients, and say they’ve identified more than 30 other potential victims. Michelson’s practice was based in Oxnard, but investigators say many of his victims came from Santa Barbara County.
Prosecutors say the surgeon had past convictions. In the 1980’s, he was convicted of selling illegal narcotics, and temporarily lost his license. In 1997, his license was placed on probation for inappropriate behavior with two patients, and a co-worker.
Even though Michelson’s death ends the criminal case, victims are being urged to contact the Ventura County District Attorney’s office for victims support services.
