NOTE: This story contains content that some may find disturbing. Please read with care.
ACADIANA, La. (KLFY) -- Former patients of an Acadiana surgeon are coming forward with claims that they had been touched inappropriately while being examined. The surgeon's attorney, however, said those allegations are false.
A Facebook post accusing Dr. Bahmen "Ben" Sabbaghian of sexual assault has gone viral with multiple alleged victims sharing their experiences. The allegations have resulted in complaints and reports filed with the Louisiana State Medical Board, the District Attorney's Office and local law enforcement agencies.
Bethany Palmer said she filed a police report against the surgeon regarding an incident that allegedly occurred in 2022. But when nothing was done about her claims, Palmer turned to Facebook last Friday, Dec. 6. That's when she made a post explaining how she was sexually assaulted and to warn others about her experience.
"I heard from a detective saying another girl filed a police report. And then a few months ago, there was a third. We all kind of got together and got a lawyer and that didn't work out. So that's when I made the Facebook post," she said.
Palmer told KLFY News 10 that she was referred to Sabbaghian to get a facial piercing surgically removed. She alleges that her incident occurred in May 2022.
"He pulled open my pants and my panties and looked down. Then he felt my breasts and then he turned me around and he looked at my backside," Palmer said.
Palmer said he continued to ask if she was comfortable, but she said she was unsure whether the examination was appropriate. She said she wasn't comfortable but did not want to question a doctor.
Another alleged victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said her experience with Sabbaghian happened in front of her minor child. She said she was referred to him to have her gallbladder removed, but during the examination, she claims he began touching her inappropriately
"As soon as we walked out of the room, my child said to me, "Mama, that made me very uncomfortable. I wanted to tell him to not touch you like that."
Despite being discouraged from filing a report, she filed one with the police five days later. She also filed one with the Louisiana State Medical Board which she said is investigating the allegations.
"I had to show my daughter, this is not okay. You speak up when someone does something wrong, you speak up, you report it," she said.
Before Palmer's Facebook post, the alleged victims said they did not know each other. But now they are leaning on one another for support through this process.
"We're going to stand together and we're going to fight, and we are going to get justice."
Kevin Stockstill, who represents Sabbaghian, said the allegations brought by the women are false. He further noted that Sabbaghian examined each patient properly and with a witness present during the examinations.
"Staff members and nurses were brought in specifically to refute these types of accusations," Stockhill said.
Stockstill said the Louisiana State Medical Board is investigating the women's claims. He said he and his client are doing everything they can do to provide proof that the surgeon did nothing wrong.
"I am aware of the fact that complaints were made and that the medical board is looking into the matter. We're fully cooperating with the board's investigation," he said.
Stockstill said the accusations against the surgeon were dismissed by the District Attorney's Office because they were false.
"To come forward and accuse him of a sexual battery or sexual assault is just outright false," the attorney said.
As this story develops, KLFY News 10 will have updates.
