Authorities Seek Additional Victims in Drugging and Assault Investigation
Authorities are seeking possible additional victims in an investigation involving a Southern California doctor accused of drugging and assaulting a woman at his home in West Los Angeles.
Suspect and Investigation
Babak Hajhosseini, 42, a doctor and visiting specialist at Wound and Burn Centers of America in Los Angeles and Catalina Island Health, was arrested November 26 on suspicion of sexual assault of an unconscious person, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He was released on bail three days later, police said.
Meth
Hajhosseini attempted to lure potential victims by offering high-paying jobs on recruitment websites, the LAPD said. He would then invite the potential victims to work overtime after hours at his residence, where he would pressure them into consuming an alcoholic beverage. After consuming the beverage, the victim would fall unconscious, and Hajhosseini would sexually assault and record her, according to the LAPD.
Court Proceedings
Hajhosseini pleaded not guilty Friday. He is charged with two counts of rape by use of drugs, one count each of rape of an unconscious or asleep person, oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance, and sodomy of an unconscious or asleep victim, as well as three counts of oral copulation of an unconscious or asleep person.
His attorney, Caleb Mason, issued a statement on behalf of his client. “He denies the allegations and intends to vigorously defend himself in court, where the evidence will prove his innocence. We learned today that the LAPD issued a press release making additional false and salacious accusations against him. Dr. Hajhosseini will try his case in court, not in the media. In the courtroom, cases are decided based on evidence – not baseless innuendo. There is extensive evidence proving that these allegations are false, which will be presented in court. And Dr. Hajhosseini voluntarily took a polygraph exam, which he passed. The LAPD knows this, which raises troubling questions about the integrity of its press release.”
Victim Information
The criminal complaint alleges that the crimes occurred August 18 and involved one victim.
Contact Information
Detectives asked that anyone with information call 213-473-0447 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Next Court Hearing
Hajhosseini is due back in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom January 13, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. A date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to allow the case against him to proceed to trial.
Conclusion
The LAPD is urging anyone who may have been a victim of Dr. Hajhosseini to come forward and report the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and additional victims may still come forward. It is crucial to bring perpetrators like Dr. Hajhosseini to justice to ensure public safety and trust in the healthcare system.
FAQs
Q: What is Dr. Hajhosseini charged with?
A: Dr. Hajhosseini is charged with two counts of rape by use of drugs, one count each of rape of an unconscious or asleep person, oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance, and sodomy of an unconscious or asleep victim, as well as three counts of oral copulation of an unconscious or asleep person.
Q: When did the crimes allegedly occur?
A: The crimes allegedly occurred on August 18.
Q: What is the suspect’s current status?
A: Dr. Hajhosseini pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Q: Who should I contact if I have information about Dr. Hajhosseini?
A: Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 213-473-0447 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Q: What is the next court hearing date?
A: The next court hearing date is scheduled for January 13.
