A longtime Chalmette gastroenterologist who practices at St. Bernard Parish Hospital is now the subject of an arrest warrant, after multiple patients reported being touched during medical procedures earlier this month. Local TV reporting has publicly identified the physician and cited witnesses who described what they say happened behind exam-room doors.
Allegations And Arrest Warrant
According to Fox 8, an arrest warrant has been issued for Dr. David Beary, a gastroenterologist at St. Bernard Parish Hospital. The station reports that Beary faces four counts of misdemeanor sexual battery after witnesses said he touched patients' breasts during procedures earlier this month.
Fox 8's brief account did not include comments from prosecutors or from St. Bernard Parish Hospital, leaving key questions about how officials and the medical center are responding still unanswered in the public record.
Beary's Practice And Local Ties
Public physician directories list David Allan Beary as a long-time gastroenterologist with offices in Chalmette and Marrero and hospital privileges at Saint Bernard Parish Hospital. The NPI registry entry for Dr. Beary shows a Chalmette practice location, and WebMD likewise lists his affiliation with the hospital.
Together, those public records confirm that the physician named in local media is an established provider in the parish's medical community, with a footprint on both sides of the river.
Legal Context
Under Louisiana law, misdemeanor sexual battery is defined as the intentional touching of another person's breasts or buttocks without consent and carries a potential penalty of up to six months in jail and or a fine of up to $1,000, according to legal code summaries. That misdemeanor offense is distinct from felony sexual-battery statutes that carry significantly tougher penalties.
As with any criminal allegation, anyone accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and the details of the case are ultimately tested in front of a judge or jury, not just in the court of public opinion.
Officials And Next Steps
The Fox 8 story was the first public report of the allegations that we found. At the time of publication, there was no corresponding announcement on the St. Bernard Parish District Attorney's Office news page. The DA's site lists recent dockets and press items but showed no notice about this matter when it was checked.
It is not yet clear whether Beary has been arrested. If prosecutors move forward, magistrate filings or other court records will lay out the formal charges and the next court dates, providing a clearer picture of how the case is proceeding through the parish's criminal-justice system.
