Mitchell Van Vu, a 56-year-old Stanford Health Care ultrasound technician, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting two male patients during ultrasound procedures, according to Palo Alto Weekly. The suspect faces six counts of sexual battery, and police are actively seeking other possible victims.
(Palo Alto PD)
The first incident occurred in April when a man in his 40s reported being sexually assaulted by Vu two weeks prior at Stanford Health Care. The victim claimed that Vu had fondled his genitals during ultrasound procedures on two separate occasions. With the assistance of hospital staff, police were able to identify and contact Vu and completed a crime report.
A second incident surfaced in May when a different man in his 40s reported being sexually assaulted by Vu during an ultrasound procedure at Stanford Health Care a day earlier. The victim accused Vu of fondling his genitals and immediately reported the incident to hospital staff who placed Vu on administrative leave, as reported by Mercury News.
During their investigations, detectives noted distinct similarities between the statements of the two victims and conducted a forensic medical examination on the second victim due to the recent nature of the assault. The cases were handed over to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office for review, and an arrest warrant was issued for Vu, who was charged with six felony counts of sexual battery. Vu was arrested on June 21, 2023, at his home in Bay Point, California, without incident.
Investigators believe there could be more victims of Vu's alleged assaults. Vu has a work history at other hospitals in the Bay Area and Cincinnati, Ohio; however, it is unknown whether any incidents were reported or occurred at those locations. Detectives encourage anyone who believes they might have been sexually assaulted by Vu during a medical procedure to contact the department immediately at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can also be emailed to [email protected] or sent via text message or voicemail to 650-383-8984.
