Montgomery County doctor charged with sexual abuse, officials say

ROCKVILLE, Md. - A well-respected doctor who works with patients at Shady Grove Medical Center in Montgomery County is facing sexual abuse charges, according to officials.

Dr. Virendra Saxena, an intensive care unit doctor at the hospital in Rockville, is accused of sexually abusing young girls he knew outside of work, authorities stated. Officials said the victims were not patients.

Police said the alleged sexual abuse happened over a span of nearly two decades and the accusers came forward 17 years after the alleged abuse stopped.

According to Saxena's lawyer, Andrew Jezic, Saxena the doctor has worked at two major hospitals in the area. Currently he is part of an independent physicians group that has a contract to care for adult patients in the intensive care unit, Jezic told FOX 5.

Jezic refuted the allegations and called them false.

"His outstanding reputation was evidenced by the approximately 50 nurses, physicians, employees and friends that came and spoke at the bail review hearing on his behalf," Jezic told FOX 5. "No red flags. No prior arrests. No prior allegations of any improper conduct."

Shady Grove Medical Center sent FOX 5 a statement that said, "He is not caring for our patients and the personal legal case against him does not involve our hospital. Authorities have not contacted us about this matter, but we will assist them if they ask for our help."

The allegations in the court documents mention the involvement of other men. FOX 5 asked authorities if anyone else was being charged and we were told the case remained under investigation.

Saxena faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor and second degree rape. He was released on bond and plans to plead not guilty, according to Jezic.