Montgomery County Doctor Accused Of Indecent Assault On Weight-Loss Clients
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. (CBS) - A Montgomery County doctor, who operated a weight loss center in Conshohocken, was arrested Monday, accused of indecently assaulting several female patients.
Prosecutors say the six victims -- ranging in ages 24 to 59 -- all told detectives the same story, that Dr. Arie Oren -- who ran Conshohocken Weight Control on Third Avenue -- touched them inappropriately during their weight loss sessions.
Officials say despite spending two years in federal prison on medical fraud charges, the 64-year-old Narberth doctor is charged with multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault for allegedly using his hands and a vibrating massager to touch the women.
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman says the investigation began when the first victim came forward last September and has since turned up other women who called Oren's behavior inappropriate and who said he made them feel uncomfortable.
Valerie Levesque reports ...
"For a woman to go to a doctor like this looking for help with weight loss, which is such a personal matter, and to then have the doctor touch her sexually and even try to kiss her and to make such personal comments is really a complete betrayal of what the doctor is supposed to be doing," DA Ferman said.
Dr. Oren, now free after posting $100,000 bail, is accused of assaulting the six victims since 2008. His attorney declined comment until he had a chance to fully explore the allegations.
Prosecutors say they believe other patients may also have been assaulted by the doctor and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
State licensing records show the Oren's license was suspended for one year from 2000 to 2001, but was then fully reinstated after he completed certain requirements.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio; Walt Hunter, CBS 3
