Yuma medical doctor arrested for alleged sexual assault of patients
UPDATE (4 P.M.) - The Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) confirmed Sandoval did work for the hospital but departed from the organization in July 2023 which was when the investigation was launched.
According to YRMC, he served as a family medicine physician.
Below is YRMC’s statement on this case.
The safety and well-being of patients is a responsibility we take very seriously. YRMC investigates all patient complaints and feedback, and we do not condone behavior that jeopardizes the trust of patients. Dr. Edsel Sandoval departed from the organization in July 2023, where he served as a family medicine physician.
“I want to reassure our community and patients that our team is deeply devoted to providing excellent, safe care. YRMC employs thousands of dedicated individuals, who serve with the highest level of integrity and professionalism. We will not tolerate the unacceptable behavior of any individual who compromises the confidence of patients,” said Dr. Robert J. Trenschel, President and CEO.
Yuma Regional Medical Center will continue to work with authorities in this isolated situation. Above all, we offer our continued support and commitment to any patient and family whose trust has been compromised.
Yuma Regional Medical Center
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) arrested a medical doctor following an almost year-long investigation.
In a press release, the offense took place in July of 2023 after YPD received reports of the doctor, identified as Edsel Sandoval, 36, allegedly sexually abusing a patient at a medical facility he was practicing at.
During the investigation, YPD says two additional victims came forward and reported sexual abuse by Sandoval at the same medical facility.
YPD says Sandoval was arrested on Wednesday at around 9:30am and was booked into the Yuma County Detention Facility on five counts of sexual assault and two counts of attempted sexual assault. Sandoval is on a cash bond of $500,000
If anyone has information on the case, call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.
