Merced Police have arrested a family dentist on suspicion of sexually assaulting a patient.
Sean Park is accused of taking advantage of a person while they were under anesthesia.
Park was taken to jail but is now out after posting bail.
Despite these allegations, Dr. Park is still allowed to practice until the State Dental Board says otherwise. In fact, the sign at his office says he plans to reopen for business on Thursday.
Merced Police took a report from a person last week, claiming that their dentist, Sean Park, sexually assaulted them while having a procedure done.
Lt. Tom Trindad with the Merced Police Department said, "Our whole goal in the end of this is to seek justice for the victim and to get to the truth."
The victim says once the local anesthetic wore off, they found their pants pulled down and the doctor exposing himself.
During the investigation, officers recovered pictures confirming this story. "Very rarely do you have that smoking gun, so it is definitely something that makes the case a lot stronger for us," said Lt. Trindad.
Patricia Mattos, a florist who works a few doors down, was stunned by this news. "I’ve met him before, he’s bought flowers from our business and I find it unbelievable," said Mattos.
We also talked to Ed Rodgers, one of Park’s patients. "He’s a great guy. I like him. He’s an exceptionally good dentist," said Rogers.
Rodgers is baffled at how this could happen, saying there’s always another employee in the room with him and the doctor. "And the rooms are all open. There are no doors and nothing to block your vision. Anyone could look back there and see what’s going on," said Rogers.
Court records show Park faced a lawsuit in 2009 for unprofessional conduct, meaning he over-treated patients by performing unnecessary work such as fillings.
The California Dental Board revoked Park’s license and placed him on three years probation. After clean behavior, his license was renewed this year.
Meanwhile, it’s important to note that the Department of Consumers Affairs website allows you to looking into a dentist’s history before going to them.
Lieutenant Trindad calls it a valuable tool everyone should use. "You’re trusting these people with intimate personal details of yourself and also your personal health, and I think that if you don’t you’re making a grave mistake," said Trindad.
If you believe you have been a victim in this case, you’re asked to contact the Merced Police Department by calling (209) 385-4725.
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