Ex-UCLA Doctor Admits to Sexually Abusing Five Patients After Previous Conviction Overturned

Heaps pleads guilty to 13 felonies and will serve 11 years in prison, must register as a sex offender for life.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:39pm

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An extreme close-up of a discarded medical instrument, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh flash of the camera, conveying the stark, gritty nature of the investigation into this doctor's misconduct.The harsh, unforgiving light of a forensic investigation exposes the disturbing reality behind a doctor's betrayal of trust.Los Angeles Today

A former UCLA gynecologist, James Heaps, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing five of his patients during examinations. Heaps, 70, was sentenced to 11 years in state prison and must register as a sex offender for life. The plea came after his previous conviction for sexual abuse of two patients was overturned on appeal due to a failure to inform his lawyers about juror concerns.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues around sexual misconduct by medical professionals and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to protect patients. It also raises questions about the fairness of the judicial process when convictions are overturned on technical grounds.

The details

Heaps pleaded guilty to 13 felonies, including multiple counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person. The plea deal means he will be eligible for parole in 2028 with time served. More than 500 lawsuits were filed against Heaps and UCLA, accusing the school of failing to protect patients after becoming aware of the misconduct. UCLA paid over $700 million to settle those lawsuits.

  • Heaps has been in state prison since 2022.
  • Heaps was indicted in May 2021 on charges involving seven female patients.
  • Heaps surrendered his medical license two years after the indictment.
  • Heaps was convicted in October 2022 and sentenced in April 2023.
  • Heaps' previous conviction was overturned by a California appeals court in 2026.

The players

James Heaps

A 70-year-old former UCLA gynecologist who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing five of his patients during examinations. He was sentenced to 11 years in state prison and must register as a sex offender for life.

Nicole Gumpert

One of Heaps' victims who addressed him and the judge at sentencing, saying his 'ultimate prison will endure in perpetuity a depraved legacy stripped of respect, honor, and integrity filled instead with shame.'

Jennifer McGrath

An attorney who represented some of Heaps' victims in criminal cases and hundreds more in civil lawsuits against Heaps and UCLA.

Danette Meyers

The deputy district attorney who said Heaps' plea deal means he will be eligible for parole in 2028 with time served.

Michael Carter

The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge who presided over Heaps' initial trial, where issues with a juror's English proficiency led to the conviction being overturned on appeal.

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What they’re saying

“Now you have finally admitted what you have done, and while your sentence falls short of the justice truly demands, your ultimate prison will endure in perpetuity a depraved legacy stripped of respect, honor, and integrity filled instead with shame.”

— Nicole Gumpert, Victim

“This case has gone on for many years...and we are gratified today to actually hear Mr. Heaps admit guilt and to know he will have to register as a sex offender for life.”

— Jennifer McGrath, Attorney

What’s next

A restitution hearing is scheduled for September, where UCLA and other lawyers will seek to recover legal fees incurred in the matter.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in holding medical professionals accountable for sexual misconduct, as well as the need for stronger oversight and transparency measures to protect patients. The overturning of Heaps' initial conviction on a technicality also raises concerns about the fairness of the judicial process in such sensitive cases.