Victims SHAKEN: Retrial Opens Old Wounds
A California appeals court just handed a convicted sex predator his freedom on a technicality while his victims—already devastated by years of abuse—are forced to relive their nightmare in a retrial that never should have happened.
Story Snapshot
- California appeals court overturned former UCLA gynecologist James Heaps’ 2022 sex abuse conviction due to undisclosed juror language concerns
- Heaps was convicted on five counts including sexual battery by fraud after abusing vulnerable cancer patients over nearly a decade
- UCLA previously paid record-breaking settlements totaling approximately $700 million to over 6,000 victims while allegedly concealing his misconduct
- Victims’ attorneys report clients are “shaken” as they face the trauma of testifying again about intimate medical examinations
- Defense attorney celebrates the reversal as justice while prosecutors plan immediate retrial
Procedural Error Trumps Justice for Victims
The 2nd District Court of Appeal reversed James Heaps’ conviction on February 2, 2026, after determining that trial judge Michael Carter failed to notify defense attorneys about a juror foreman’s note expressing concerns over another juror’s limited English proficiency. The three-justice panel ruled this violated Heaps’ constitutional right to counsel, despite acknowledging the substantial burden this places on victims who must now testify again about deeply personal and traumatic medical examinations. The 69-year-old former gynecologist remains incarcerated at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad while prosecutors have 30 days to appeal.
Outrage as ex-UCLA doctor imprisoned for sexually abusing patients has conviction overturned because juror barely spoke English https://t.co/v0ikCI70ZH pic.twitter.com/8WQMPoHv0N
— California Post (@californiapost) February 3, 2026
Institutional Failure Enabled Decades of Abuse
Heaps served as a gynecologist and oncologist at UCLA for 35 years, treating approximately 6,000 patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and becoming the UC system’s highest-paid physician. Between 2009 and 2018, he allegedly sexually assaulted seven women during intimate examinations, exploiting their vulnerability as cancer patients who trusted his “world-renowned” reputation. Over 500 lawsuits accused UCLA of deliberately concealing complaints about his misconduct, allowing him continued access to vulnerable patients. This institutional failure represents a stunning betrayal of the most basic duty healthcare providers owe their patients.
Record-Breaking Settlements Reveal Scope of Scandal
UCLA and the UC system paid approximately $700 million in settlements related to Heaps’ abuse—among the largest institutional payouts in medical misconduct history. The settlements included $73 million to 5,500 federal plaintiffs, $243.6 million to 200 patients in February 2022, and $374 million to 312 patients in May 2022. These staggering sums came from public funds, meaning California taxpayers ultimately paid the price for UCLA’s alleged negligence and cover-up. Heaps was indicted in May 2021 on 21 felony counts involving seven patients, though he had been ordered to stop practicing medicine in 2019 as a bail condition.
Conviction Details and Appellate Reversal
In October 2022, a jury convicted Heaps on five counts: three for sexual battery by fraud and two for sexual penetration of an unconscious person. Jurors acquitted him on seven counts and deadlocked on nine others, resulting in a mistrial on those charges. Judge Michael Carter sentenced him to 11 years in prison in April 2023, noting that Heaps’ prestigious reputation enabled the abuse and calling it an aggravating factor. Heaps surrendered his medical license in March 2023. The appeals court acknowledged the retrial would force victims to relive traumatic testimony but prioritized constitutional procedure over their suffering.
Victims Face Revictimization While Defense Celebrates
Attorneys representing Heaps’ victims reported their clients are “shaken” by the conviction reversal, facing the prospect of again describing intimate medical examinations in open court. Los Angeles County prosecutors announced plans to retry the case “as soon as possible,” though the timeline remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Heaps’ defense attorney proclaimed that “justice is slow but has finally been done,” expressing confidence in full exoneration. The defense has requested bail release pending retrial, similar to his pre-trial status. This stark contrast underscores how the legal system’s focus on procedural perfection can overshadow substantive justice for victims.
Broader Implications for Medical Accountability
The Heaps case exposes systemic failures in oversight of physicians at prestigious academic medical centers. Over 75 character letters submitted before sentencing praised his life-saving work, illustrating how professional accomplishments can shield predators from scrutiny. The case raises critical questions about institutional accountability when powerful figures exploit their positions to harm vulnerable patients. The need for robust oversight mechanisms and transparent reporting systems becomes evident when institutions prioritize reputation over patient safety. These failures erode public trust in healthcare institutions, particularly among vulnerable populations like cancer patients who depend on medical professionals during their most defenseless moments.
Sources:
Appeals court reverses conviction of former UCLA gynecologist James Mason Heaps – ABC7
Appeals court overturns former UCLA gynecologist’s sex abuse conviction – WUFT
