Sentencing postponed for former neurologist convicted of sexually abusing patients
A former Las Cruces neurologist who sexually abused his patients will have to wait before learning what his punishment will be.
In January 2018, Dr. Robert Woody, 65, was convicted of sexually abusing several patients. Woody was originally scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2018. No date has been set for the rescheduled sentencing. Woody faces a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail on the misdemeanor conviction.
Las Cruces Police detectives said one of the incidents occurred in June of 2015 while the other transpired in June of 2013. In both incidents, Dr. Woody is alleged to have asked the men explicit questions about their sexual preferences before fondling the patients during examinations behind closed doors.
Woody was later charged in 2016 after several male patients came forward with accusations of the alleged abuse at the doctor’s Las Cruces office, which has since been closed.
According to court documents, back in June of 2016, a victim told police Woody allegedly locked the door during an exam and fondled him. He also allegedly kissed his neck multiple times and “told him that he loved him.”
Another former patient of Dr. Woody, who suffered from PTSD, went to Woody twice for acupuncture treatment for his back and said both times Woody touched him inappropriately. The accuser had told jurors that during his first visit, Woody went from his back to his buttocks and removed his shorts. The accuser testified he felt uncomfortable because it felt like a passionate touch.
“Almost like a rub. I felt uncomfortable and then jumped up from there,” the accuser said, “I guess the best way I can possible explain it is if your significant other was touching you, not your doctor.”
Anyone with any similar claims of inappropriate behavior by Dr. Woody, or any other medical professional, is asked to contact police at (575) 526-0795.
