The Latest on a former University of Southern California gynecologist charged with sexual assault (all times local):
5:15 p.m.
Police say a former longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California is in a hospital after he was arrested and charged with sexual assaults involving 16 women at the student health center.
Police say 72-year-old Dr. George Tyndall felt chest pains when he was taken into custody Wednesday. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Authorities say Tyndall had a loaded revolver in his possession when he was arrested outside his home.
His lawyer says he does not know why Tyndall had a gun, adding that his client is not suicidal or a danger to anyone else.
Prosecutors say the doctor worked at USC for nearly three decades and is facing 29 felony charges that could send him to prison for 53 years.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
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1 p.m.
Lawyers for plaintiffs in sexual abuse lawsuits against a now-retired University of California, Los Angeles gynecologist say they’re hearing from other women and expect to file more civil cases.
In separate criminal proceedings, Dr. James Heaps has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual battery in 2017 and 2018.
Lawyers Jennifer McGrath and Darren Kavinoky said at a hearing Wednesday for the 62-year-old Heaps that they keep getting calls from other women about the gynecologist.
Heaps’ attorney Tracy Green maintained his client did nothing wrong and women are coming forward based on advertising being done by law firms.
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11:35 a.m.
Prosecutors say a former University of Southern California campus gynecologist has been charged with 29 felony counts in a case involving the sexual assaults of 16 patients.
Authorities say 72-year-old Dr. George Tyndall could face up to 53 years in prison if convicted. He was arrested Wednesday by the Los Angeles police.
Tyndall is accused of sexually assaulting patients at the USC student health center when they came for annual exams or other treatment between 2009 and 2016.
Tyndall and his attorneys have denied the allegations.
Prosecutors say police presented reports on 134 alleged crimes and the investigation is continuing.
More than 700 women are pursuing individual claims against the doctor in state court. Separately, the university has agreed to a $215 million class-action settlement with former patients.
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10:44 a.m.
Los Angeles police say a former University of Southern California campus gynecologist has been arrested in connection with the sexual assaults of 16 patients.
Officer Norma Eisenman said Wednesday that Dr. George Tyndall had not yet been fully booked into police custody and she does not have further information.
Tyndall has denied any wrongdoing.
More than 700 women are pursuing individual claims against the doctor in state court. Separately, the university has agreed to a $215 million class-action settlement with former patients.
Tyndall’s attorneys and the Los Angeles district attorney’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Eisenman says police will hold a news conference later Wednesday about the arrest.
