Trial begins Monday for Las Cruces doctor accused of groping patients

The trial for a Las Cruces doctor accused of groping his patients will begin Monday.

Dr. Robert Woody, a neurologist and resident of Chaparral, N.M. was charged with two counts of kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual offense and one count of criminal sexual contact, according to court documents.

Police say one incident happened in June 2015 and other happened in June 2013, according to court documents.

Detectives say the doctor asked those men explicit questions about their sexuality. In the court documents, police say Woody fondled the patients out of public view.

In court Monday, prosecuting attorney Daniel Sewell said, “Dr. Woody thrust his side into the upper leg with his groin area. In other words, Dr. Woody thrust his groin into the upper leg of (omitted).”

Sewell also said Dr. Woody asked a patient about his sexual orientation.

“Dr. Woody asked (the patient) if he was gay,” Sewell said. “(He) said ‘No, I’m not.’ Dr. Woody said, ‘Oh come on, everybody’s a little bit gay.’ He said, ‘No I’m not.’ Dr. Woody said under his breath, ‘We will see.'”

Jim Darnell, the defense attorney, told the jury, “Folks, you’re fixing to hear Alice through the looking glass. About how different people see the same thing different ways. Because what we are here about today is a physical examination in a doctor’s office.”

The jury is made up of two men and ten women. There will be a total of four accusers in this trial, which is expected to last five days.