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Stanford Health Care ultrasound tech arrested for sexual battery

2 mins read

An ultrasound technician from Stanford Health Care has been arrested for six counts of sexual battery after two adult male patients reported him. 

According to the Palo Alto Police Department, the department’s 24-hour dispatch center received calls on two separate incidents, April 10 and May 16, of men who reported they’d been sexually assaulted by a male ultrasound technician while in-patient at the Stanford Health Care facility at 500 Pasteur Drive.

The first man was in his forties and reported that the suspect fondled his genitals during an ultrasound procedure on two occasions. 

The suspect was identified and contacted, and a crime report was completed. 

In the second incident, a different man in his forties reported he was sexually assaulted the previous day by the same ultrasound tech. The victim also stated that the suspect fondled his genitals during the procedure. 

The hospital administration placed the suspect on administrative leave.

An investigation revealed distinct similarities between the two victims’ statements. Due to the recency of the assault, detectives completed a forensic medical examination of the second victim. Both cases were submitted to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for review.

An arrest warrant was procured for the suspect. 

On June 21, 11:54 a.m., the suspect, Mitchell Van Vu, 56, was arrested in his home at the 2800 block of Rio Seco Drive in Bay Point.

He was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail and charged with six felony counts of sexual battery. 

Charlene

Charlene is a Bay Area journalist who hails from the small community of Fresno. Drawing from her experience writing for her college paper, Charlene continues to advocate for free press and local journalism. She also volunteers in all the beach cleanups she can because she loves the water.