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Californian surgeon and girlfriend charged with rape amid fears of hundreds of victims

Police are investigating thousands of videos and images.

Police are investigating thousands of videos and images. Photo: Newport Beach Police

A California doctor who appeared on a reality TV dating show and his alleged female accomplice have been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting two women, amid fears of “hundreds” more victims

Orthopedic surgeon Grant W Robicheaux, 38, and Cerissa Laura Riley, 31, were arrested on September 12 over the rape by use of drugs, anaesthesia or controlled substance, and other crimes, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas told a news conference on Wednesday (AEST).

Investigators were meticulously going through “thousands and thousands of videos and images on Mr Robicheaux’s phone, many also including Ms Riley,” Mr Rackauckas said.

Some videos depicted women who “appear to be highly intoxicated beyond the ability to consent or resist, and they’re barely responsive to the defendant’s sexual advances. Based on this evidence, we believe that there might be many unidentified victims out there,” he said.

US broadcasrter ABC quoted prosecutors as saying their may be hundreds of victims.

The district attorney showed reporters video of Mr Robicheaux from a now-canceled TV show called Online Dating Rituals of the American Male in an episode titled Three’s A Crowd.

“We believe the defendants used their good looks and charm to lower the inhibitions of their potential prey,” Mr Rackauckas said.

doctor and girlfriend accused of rape

It is claimed Mr Robicheaux used his looks to take advantage of victims. Photo: YouTube

Mr Robicheaux and Ms Riley were released on US$100,000 bail ($138,000) and are yet comment to US media.

The two women who were allegedly assaulted met the pair during social encounters, the Associated Press reported.

“Women who have encountered these two might have felt a false sense of security due to the fact that both defendants are clean cut, good-looking,” Mr Rackauckas said.

“We tend to trust doctors who take an oath to do no harm. The second defendant, being a female, is key. A woman purporting to be his girlfriend clearly played a significant role in disarming the victims, making them feel comfortable and safe,” he added.

Two women allegedly had encounters with Mr Robicheaux and Ms Riley two years ago.

The first said she met the pair at a restaurant on 10 April 2016 and was invited by them to a boat party.

Once intoxicated, the 32-year-old was allegedly taken back to Mr Robicheaux’s apartment and raped.

She contacted Newport Beach police the following day and tested positive for a number of unspecified drugs, US prosecutor’s were quoted as saying by the BBC.

On 2 October 2016, another woman said she woke up in Mr Robicheaux’s apartment after a night of drinking, and screamed for help until his neighbours called police.

That woman told police she had been drinking at a bar in Newport Beach with the couple until she lost consciousness.

Mr Robicheaux and Ms Riley are accused of possessing a large quantity of drugs, including the date-rape drug GHB, psychedelic mushrooms, ecstasy and cocaine.

Police said the substances were found during a search of the doctor’s home in January.

-with agencies

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