A Turlock ultrasound technician was arrested last week following allegations of sexual assault reported by a patient, according to the Turlock Police Department.
Gerald Eugene Pinatacan, 45, was taken into custody on November 19. He is suspected of sexual penetration with a foreign object and sexual battery for the purpose of sexual arousal. The arrest followed a report filed by a woman on November 5. She told police that she was assaulted during an appointment in February at a medical office located in the 1500 block of Colorado Avenue.
Police stated that the woman described actions by the technician that were not part of her scheduled procedure. She also said he made statements suggesting his conduct was medically necessary. The woman further reported additional concerning behavior from Pinatacan during a follow-up appointment in March.
Detectives discovered that Pinatacan had previously been arrested earlier this year by Turlock police in another case involving similar accusations. After reviewing the recent complaint and related documents, investigators obtained an arrest warrant and took him into custody without incident at the Stanislaus County Courthouse after he attended a separate hearing.
The medical office where both incidents occurred informed police that Pinatacan no longer works there.
“This is an extremely troubling case,” Police Chief Jason Hedden said in Tuesday’s news release. “When someone seeks medical care, they place complete trust in the professionals who are there to help them. That trust was violated. Our department is committed to holding individuals accountable when they abuse positions of authority and cause harm.”
Authorities have asked anyone who previously received ultrasound services from Pinatacan and believes they experienced inappropriate or concerning conduct to contact Detective Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave tips with Crime Stoppers by phone at 209-521-4636 or 866-602-7463, online at www.stancrimetips.org, or by texting “StanCS” to 738447.
