A Ventura chiropractor has been slammed with charges including eight felony counts of sexual battery. Dr. Fernando Juarez Gomez, Jr., hailing from Oxnard, is accused of exploiting his professional position to commit the alleged acts. According to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, special allegations have come forward that Gomez took advantage of his position of trust or authority.
Law enforcement officers served an arrest warrant on March 21 at Gomez's chiropractic office after two separate reports of sexual battery surfaced. A subsequent investigation coupled with a public appeal for additional victims to come forward has led to additional allegations against Gomez. In what can only be described as a turbulent turn for the well-being of his patients, Gomez has pled not guilty to all counts during today’s arraignment.
Details of the case, published on the District Attorney's website, state that Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly, who is part of the Sexual Assault Unit, will lead the prosecution. The accused's next court appearance is set for April 11 for a bail review, while an early disposition conference has been scheduled for May 13.
In the meantime, Gomez has been allowed to remain out of custody after posting a $40,000 bond with strict conditions – he is to refrain from practicing as a chiropractor or personal trainer pending the outcome of the case. This restraint aims to prevent potential harm to any other individual seeking therapeutic care under his once-trusted guidance and now tainted hands.
