Florida Doctor Accused of Raping Patients Found Dead With Gunshot Wound to the Head; Pistol Seen Near His Leg
A Florida doctor who was arrested for allegedly raping two patients while they were under anesthetic for cosmetic surgery was found dead in a ditch near his home Tuesday, the Collier County Sheriff's Officr confirmed.
The New York Post cited that Dr. Eric Andrew Salata, 54, of Naples, was charged with sexual battery on November 21 for allegedly assaulting two patients, ages 51 and 73.
The incident report states that Salata's death was discovered Monday during a welfare check after his ankle monitor had remained motionless for several hours.
According to the report, police discovered the doctor's body with a handgun near his leg and a headshot wound after seeing the doctor's boot sticking out from among the nearby trees.
READ NEXT: Oregon Serial Rapist Known as 'Jogger Rapist' to Be Released After Serving 36 Years
Florida Doctor Rape Victim Tells Her Story
In October, a 51-year-old lady reported to the authorities that she had a scary experience in Salata's office.
Naples Daily News reports that she said Salata gave her alprazolam (brand name Xanax) at a meeting the day before.
Dr. Eric Andrew Salata also told her to take the medication before coming in because the procedure would last three to four hours and be "excruciatingly painful."
She also claimed to feel disoriented after receiving laughing gas from the doctor. The woman claims that Salata then shook her roughly and touched her privates.
He withdrew his hands when she asked what he was doing but administered more laughing gas because she was in so much pain.
Salata then offered to give her some alcohol to ease the discomfort. She declined, then the Florida doctor offered her a "clear liquid" to drink.
The woman told the officers she thought it was tequila, as alcohol and alprazolam should not be mixed, and she passed out.
She claimed Salata was orally raping her when she recovered. She then lost consciousness once more.
She said that she woke up and saw being penetrated by the doctor, but she passed out again.
The woman informed police that Salata was the sole medical expert there.
Florida Doctor's Suicide Is Yet to Be Confirmed, Authorities Say
Officials have not determined whether or not his death was a suicide because an autopsy is still ongoing, says Yahoo.
But a spokesperson did say that there was nothing "strange" about his death. Salata left his wedding ring, credit cards, and two notes at home.
It is depressing and upsetting that Dr. Eric Andrew Salata has avoided justice, Adam Horowitz, an attorney for one of the women he raped, told the Daily Beast.
He said that his client displayed great courage by being honest and was prepared to prosecute him for his actions.
He said that when an unexpected death occurs to a criminal defendant, the case is transferred to civil court.
Horowitz also stated that Salata's company and estate would be the target of a legal lawsuit. He has been a doctor for nearly thirty years.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Naples doctor arrested for raping two sedated patients - From NBC2 News