Doctor sexually assaulted patients; asked for sexual favors in exchange for meds, police say

A Las Cruces psychiatrist accused of sexually assaulting at least six of his patients is facing several felony charges.

Mark D. Beale, 72, a psychiatrist and pain management specialist whose practice is at 133 Wyatt Dr., is charged with three counts of criminal sexual penetration, four counts of criminal sexual contact and three misdemeanor counts of battery.

Las Cruces police first learned of sexual assault allegations made against Beale in October 2018. The allegations of inappropriate conduct are from incidents that occurred since January 2015 and the women range in age from 21 to 60, police said.

Investigators learned Beale allegedly forced some of the women to participate in sexual intercourse or had illegal sexual contact with them at his office or, in at least one case, at the woman’s home. Police said it is also believed Beale may have prescribed medications to some of the women without properly diagnosing their symptoms.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by ABC-7, one of the accusers said Beale would tell her she was worthless and nobody loved her except for him. The woman said Beale would tell her she “needed to stay skinny” and prescribed her Adderall to help her lose weight. Beale, the criminal complaint states, allegedly offered to prescribe the woman painkillers if “she would cooperate with him sexually.” The woman said Beale sexually assaulted her during sessions and administered vaccines and medication she did not need.

Another woman told police Beale would touch her inappropriately while he administered vaccines, the criminal complaint states. Beale, the document further states, allegedly told the woman she needed a man like him in her life and even gave her money to help her pay bills.

Investigators obtained a warrant for the arrest of Beale. About 10 a.m. Friday, April 12, Las Cruces police arrested Beale at his home. He will be booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he’s expected to initially be held without bond.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible. Anyone else who believes they may be a victim is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.