Ex-Doctor Sentenced for 1989 Sexual Assault

Frederick Tanzer pleaded guilty to lying about the attack on a Cincinnati woman.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15pm

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A former doctor has been sentenced for a sexual assault that occurred in Cincinnati in 1989. Frederick Tanzer pleaded guilty last year to three counts of lying to federal agents about the attack on a woman in her home over 30 years ago.

Why it matters

This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing cold cases and holding perpetrators accountable, even decades later. It also raises questions about the medical profession's oversight and disciplinary processes for doctors accused of serious crimes.

The details

Tanzer, a former physician, was convicted of lying to federal agents about the 1989 sexual assault of a woman in her Cincinnati home. He had initially evaded prosecution for the crime, but authorities continued to investigate the case over the years, eventually securing his guilty plea last year.

  • The sexual assault occurred in 1989 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • Tanzer pleaded guilty to lying about the attack in 2022.

The players

Frederick Tanzer

A former doctor who was convicted of lying to federal agents about a 1989 sexual assault in Cincinnati.

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The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of persistent law enforcement efforts to pursue justice, even in decades-old crimes. It also raises concerns about the medical profession's ability to properly vet and discipline doctors accused of serious misconduct.