Former UCLA Doctor James Heaps Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault

Attorneys for over 300 survivors speak out after Heaps pleads guilty to 13 felony counts

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:54am

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An extreme close-up of a medical examination tool, such as a speculum or stethoscope, sharply illuminated by a direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The harsh, unforgiving light of this image reflects the gravity of the sexual abuse allegations against trusted medical professionals.Los Angeles Today

Former UCLA obstetrician-gynecologist James Heaps has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison after pleading guilty to 13 felony counts of sexual assault involving five former patients. The case was led by the law firm McGrath Kavinoky LLP, which represented 312 survivors in a civil case against Heaps and the University of California, resulting in a $375 million settlement.

Why it matters

The sentencing of James Heaps is a significant step in holding the doctor and the institution accountable for the sexual abuse of patients. This case highlights the importance of survivors coming forward and the need for medical institutions to properly address and prevent such misconduct.

The details

Heaps will be required to register as a sex offender for life. The law firm McGrath Kavinoky LLP served as lead counsel for 312 survivors in the civil case against Heaps and UCLA, resulting in a $375 million settlement. The firm is now turning its attention to survivors of Dr. Barry J. Brock, a former Cedars-Sinai obstetrician-gynecologist accused by more than 500 former patients of a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct.

  • On April 15, 2026, James Heaps was sentenced to 11 years in state prison.
  • In June 2025, Dr. Barry J. Brock surrendered his California medical license.
  • In 2024, Cedars-Sinai revoked Dr. Barry J. Brock's hospital privileges.

The players

James Heaps

A former UCLA obstetrician-gynecologist who pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts of sexual assault involving five former patients and was sentenced to 11 years in state prison.

Jennifer McGrath

A partner at McGrath Kavinoky LLP and the lead counsel for 312 survivors in the civil case against Heaps and UCLA.

Darren Kavinoky

A partner at McGrath Kavinoky LLP who is now turning the firm's attention to survivors of Dr. Barry J. Brock, a former Cedars-Sinai obstetrician-gynecologist accused by more than 500 former patients of sexual misconduct.

Dr. Barry J. Brock

A former Cedars-Sinai obstetrician-gynecologist accused by more than 500 former patients of a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct during medical exams.

Cedars-Sinai

A hospital that revoked Dr. Barry J. Brock's hospital privileges in 2024 after allegations of sexual misconduct.

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What they’re saying

“This sentence is what accountability looks like when survivors are believed and institutions are forced to answer. The women who came forward against James Heaps made this outcome possible. Their voices changed everything.”

— Jennifer McGrath, Partner, McGrath Kavinoky LLP

“The playbook is the same. A trusted doctor. An institution that failed to act, even after reports of misconduct. Women who were told what happened to them was normal. It was not normal then, and it is not normal now. California law gives Brock survivors a window to seek justice.”

— Darren Kavinoky, Partner, McGrath Kavinoky LLP

What’s next

McGrath Kavinoky LLP is now turning its full attention to survivors of Dr. Barry J. Brock, the longtime Cedars-Sinai obstetrician-gynecologist accused by more than 500 former patients of a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct during medical exams. The firm currently represents more than 100 women in litigation against Brock and Cedars-Sinai.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of survivors coming forward and the need for medical institutions to properly address and prevent sexual misconduct. It also demonstrates the power of collective action, as the voices of the 312 survivors represented by McGrath Kavinoky LLP were instrumental in securing accountability and justice.