A South Bay psychiatrist pleaded not guilty May 31 to eight misdemeanor counts of groping five female patients in his care.
A felony charge of sexual exploitation by a psychotherapist has also been filed against Dr. Leon Fajerman, 75, in Chula Vista Superior Court. He has denied the charges.
Fajerman has surrendered his medical license in a proceeding before the California Medical Board in which patients said he had groped or fondled them. He is not permitted to perform any medical duties, according to the medical board.
Fajerman worked at offices in Chula Vista, San Ysidro, El Cajon, and San Diego. He was arrested May 25 and posted $200,000 bond later that night.
Judge Keri Katz told Fajerman to have no contact “whatsoever” with any of the alleged victims. His son accompanied him to court and the psychiatrist declined to make any comment to reporters.
A preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 15, and he remains free.
The charges alleged he touched the breasts of various female patients “for the specific purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification and sexual abuse.” The conduct allegedly occurred in 2017.
Fajerman has been a psychiatrist for 41 years and he speaks several languages.
