Las Cruces psychiatrist indicted on 23 counts for alleged sexual assaults of 9 patients

A Las Cruces psychiatrist accused of sexually assaulting nine of his patients has been indicted by a grand jury on 23 counts of criminal sexual contact, prosecutors said Thursday.

Dr. Mark Beale, 72, was first arrested back in April on allegations he assaulted six patients. Since then, authorities said the number of victims discovered has grown to nine.

Beal remained free Thursday on a $5,000 bond that he posted following his arrest.

Police previously indicated that all the victims were women, ranging in age from 21 to 60. It’s alleged that Beale forced the women to have sexual intercourse or other sexual contact at his office.

In some cases, authorities contend he asked for sexual favors in exchange for providing prescription drugs.