OREM, UTAH – September 29, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – Orem chiropractor Dale Heath, 56, is facing charges of sexual battery, rape, and forcible sexual abuse dating back to 2012.
Charges outlining five counts of sexual battery, one count of forcible sex abuse, one count of object rape and a count of writing false statements were filed Monday evening.
Allegations of inappropriate touching first surfaced after Heath opened his practice in 2011, according to Orem police. Investigators say a woman came forward to complain that Heath had inappropriately touched her groin area both over and under her clothing during six separate visits.
A second patient came forward in 2013 to report that Heath had allegedly put a finger in her vagina. Police decided to take both complaints to prosecutors. However, attorneys said there was not enough evidence to proceed with a case against Heath.
Police did meet with Heath in 2013 and asked him to have a chaperone present when treating female patients in order to avoid further complaints. Investigators say Heath also agreed to explain his procedures to all patients before touching sensitive areas.
In February of 2015, a third victim came forward and police again interviewed Heath who claimed to have had a chaperone present whenever he treated a female patient. Those chaperones later admitted to signing a log without really being present in the examination room.
In the meantime, Heath was under administrative investigation by Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The Division put Heath on probation in 2014 and when new allegations surfaced early in 2015, began a second internal investigation. Those findings were shared with Orem Police this summer.
Heath will be summoned to make a court appearance but has not been booked into jail.
Authorities are asking any other potential victims to please come forward. Any information important to this case can be shared with police by calling (801)229-7070.
