Trial dates set for former doctor accused of sexually abusing his patients

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The case of a former Yuma doctor accused of sexually abusing his patients will now go to trial.

The trial of 37-year-old Edsel Sandoval is scheduled for September. It is expected to last five weeks.

During Tuesday's hearing, Judge Darci Weede granted a motion to allow Sandoval to leave the state of Arizona so that he could visit his mother before the trial.

One of the victims in this case addressed her concerns with the motion, saying that this could give Sandoval an opportunity to flea before facing trial, but that didn't change the judge's ruling. 

Sandoval pleaded not guilty to seven counts of sexual abuse and sexual assault.

The alleged abuse dates back to April of 2022. A total of eight women have come forward with allegations against the former doctor.