Former UCLA Gynecologist Sentenced to 11 Years for Sexual Abuse

James M. Heaps pleaded guilty to sexually abusing his patients to avoid a retrial.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a medical tool used in intimate examinations, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic of the crime.A harsh flash-lit close-up of a medical tool used in intimate examinations exposes the trauma and violation experienced by Heaps' victims.Los Angeles Today

A former obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, James M. Heaps, 69, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to sexually abusing his patients and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Heaps had initially been convicted in 2022 but the conviction was overturned in February 2026 due to a jury issue. To spare his former patients from having to testify again, Heaps pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts, including sexual penetration of an unconscious person, sexual battery by fraud, and sexual exploitation of a patient.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse by medical professionals and the trauma it causes for victims. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability within university healthcare systems. The significant financial settlement paid by UCLA underscores the gravity of Heaps' actions and the institution's failure to properly address the allegations sooner.

The details

Heaps was affiliated with UCLA in various roles from 1983 to 2018. He was initially charged in 2019, convicted in 2022, and sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2023. However, his conviction was overturned in February 2026 due to a jury issue. To avoid a retrial, Heaps pleaded guilty to the 13 felony counts related to sexually abusing his patients.

  • Heaps was affiliated with UCLA from 1983 to 2018.
  • Heaps was initially charged in 2019.
  • Heaps was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
  • Heaps' conviction was overturned in February 2026.
  • Heaps pleaded guilty and was sentenced on April 14, 2026.

The players

James M. Heaps

A 69-year-old former obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing his patients.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The university where Heaps was affiliated as an obstetrician-gynecologist from 1983 to 2018 and has paid around $700 million to settle claims of sexual misconduct against Heaps.

John Manly

A lawyer who represents more than 100 of Heaps' former patients.

Vicki I. Podberesky

Heaps' lawyer, who declined to comment on the guilty plea but said that with credits for good time, Heaps would serve about half of his 11-year sentence and then be placed on parole.

Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo

The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge who sentenced Heaps to 11 years in prison.

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What they’re saying

“Nevertheless, he pleaded guilty and it vindicates what our clients are saying.”

— John Manly, Lawyer representing over 100 of Heaps' former patients

What’s next

Heaps will have to register as a sex offender after serving his sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for stronger oversight and accountability within university healthcare systems to prevent sexual abuse by medical professionals and ensure prompt action to protect patients.