Wangaratta GP hit with sex charges found dead
A country doctor charged with sexually assaulting female patients at his Wangaratta practice has been found dead.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Wangaratta doctor charged with sexually assaulting his female patients has been found dead in Victoria’s northeast.
Dr Stewart Geoffrey Moroney’s death comes after authorities last year identified up to 19 alleged victims, after accusations he filmed women with a hidden camera during examinations.
PATEINTS SEEN FOR MONTHS AFTER SEX ASSAULT COMPLAINT
SNEAKY AIRTASKER TRICK FEEDS ILLEGAL BEHAVIOUR
MOKBEL ATTACK PROMPTS JAIL SECURITY PUSH
The 68-year-old was facing more than 20 charges including rape, sexual assault, producing child pornography and capturing intimate images.
The victims, aged between 17 to 60 and from the Wangaratta region, were identified in June last year.
On Tuesday, Dr Moroney’s body was found at a reserve near Wangaratta and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Dr Moroney was due to face a preliminary hearing over the charges in Wangaratta next month.
“On February 12, emergency services were called after the discovery of man’s body in a reserve on Adams Rd, Killawarra about 5.30pm,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman told the Herald Sun.
“A cause of death is yet to be determined but it’s not believed to be suspicious.”
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Last year, investigators said a female patient noticed a camera during a female heath examination at the Wangaratta’s Ely St Clinic in October 2017 and reported it.
The examination was allegedly conducted without surgical gloves.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency last year confirmed Dr Moroney was allowed to keep treating patients until January 10, 2018 before his registration was suspended.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (Victoria): 1800 806 292