PHILADELPHIA (CN) - A doctor sent inappropriate texts to a patient and then assaulted and battered her at an office visit, the woman claims in court.
Rachelys Crespo sued Dr. Joel Carr, an osteopath, in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. She also sued Tree of Life Behavioral Services, Best Behavioral Healthcare, and Best Behavioral Care.
Crespo claims in the lawsuit that Carr "has been stripped of his license to practice medicine in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey." She claims he had been fired "from at least one behavioral health practice" before he was hired by the co-defendants.
On her first visit to Best Behavioral Healthcare, Crespo says in the complaint, "Dr. Carr took plaintiff's cellular telephone from her possession and input his number in the phone under the name of 'color purple' which was the color of his office.
"After leaving the property of Best Behavioral Healthcare Inc. and the presence of Dr. Carr, Dr. Carr sent plaintiff a text message asking her what she was doing this weekend."
Two weeks later, at a follow-up visit, Crespo claims: "Dr. Carr lifted up plaintiff's shirt and proceeded to molest plaintiff by rubbing both of her upper legs with his hands in a perverted, inappropriate and illegal manner. At this time Dr. Carr commented that plaintiff was not shaking her legs anymore.
"As a result of the fear, fright and confusion plaintiff did not yell out for help or attempt to leave the office, sitting still and saying nothing for the remainder of the office visit. ...
"On or about the same day Dr. Carr texted plaintiff telling her how beautiful she looked and other perverted and/or inappropriate manner of things," according to the complaint.
Carr claims the incidents triggered post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. She seeks $50,000 in damages for 10 counts, including negligence, assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
She is represented by Kevin O'Brien of Stampone Law.
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