Eight more former patients of local doctor report sexual abuse allegations against him

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) has announced that eight more former patients of Dr. Edsel Sandoval have reported sexual abuse allegations against him.

"One initially, two more after that came forward. After we had put out the press release, we have had eight additional so a total of eleven victims so far," said Sgt. Lori Franklin, Yuma Police Department Public Affairs.

YPD said the women's ages range from as young as just 18- to 65-years-old.

Former doctor, 36-year-old Edsel Sandoval, who is currently out of custody, is accused of sexually abusing these victims at a Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Family Medicine facility on West 24th Sttreet and 19th Avenue. 

According to recent court documents, Sandoval was already looking at 13 sexual abuse-related charges, and now with these new eight victims, it brings up the total to 26 charges.

Sandoval pleaded not guilty last month after the first three former patients came forward.

Sgt. Franklin shared that they typically do not see a lot of these cases but when they do, sometimes it prompts more victims to come forward and that every case is different. 

"It's as another victim comes forward they call, it starts fresh with that person, it's not like an addition. It starts fresh with that person so it's talking to that person, interviewing this person, going through and trying to find any evidence that we can in reference to that case," Franklin explained.

YPD said it's never too late to come forward and there is a range of resources available for you. 

"Again, if you aren’t comfortable coming to a law enforcement agency, go to Amberly’s Place, talk to them, you know, they are really good at what they do and they can start a case but not necessarily come forward to us until you are ready to do so," Franklin shared.

Sandoval is set to appear again in court in June.

If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.