A former Department of Veterans Affairs physician was found guilty sexually assaulted a veteran patient four years ago during a routine physical exam at a Georgia hospital, according to the Justice Department.

Rajesh Motibhai Patel69, had been accused of assaulting four patients, but was convicted by a federal jury in only one of the cases. In a statement, VA Inspector General Michael Missal, whose office helped investigate the allegations, called the verdict an important step toward restoring patient confidence in the health care system.

“VA employees are entrusted with keeping our nation’s veterans safe while they receive care. Acts of violence against veterans in VA facilities are reprehensible and shatter that trust,” he said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold whoever commits these crimes accountable.”

Patel was removed from his post at the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the spring of 2023 after department officials were made aware of the sexual assault allegations. He had previously worked as a primary care physician there.

Justice Department officials said Patel inappropriately groped the breasts and vaginal areas of female patients during multiple routine exams between 2019 and 2020. A federal jury acquitted him of charges related to three victims but found him guilty of assault in the fourth case.

“Veterans who sought his treatment, like the victim in this case, trusted Dr. Patel, and he violated that trust,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in a statement. “We hope his conviction provides a measure of healing for those affected by his crimes.”

Patel is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20.