PROVO, Utah (KUTV) — A former Provo gynecologist accused of forcibly sexually abusing his patients is in court for a preliminary hearing.

David Broadbent was scheduled to appear Monday for a preliminary hearing in a criminal case as hundreds of plaintiffs await their day in court in a separate civil case.

Both cases involve allegations of sexual assault.

“Our case is growing. I think it’s both responsible and disturbing,” said Brooke Heath, the plaintiff in the civil case.

Heath is one of more than 200 plaintiffs in the civil case against Broadbent.

She is not part of the prosecution, but said it is very significant.

“There are so many women who have been hurt by this doctor,” Heath said.

Heath is in contact with the woman whose claims against Broadbent led prosecutors to charge him with forcible sexual abuse.

“I’m so proud of her for coming forward and having this courage,” Heath said. “She represents each of us in this civil case.”

Heath said they support her.

“This charge represents only one time he assaulted a person. And we know there were at least 40 women who filed police reports with the Provo Police Department,” Heath said.

Police said they have sent dozens of files to the county prosecutor’s office.

Months ago, through his lawyer, Broadbent denied wrongdoing.

His medical license is in “limited active” status.

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