A doctor with a medical practice in the Encino area has been arrested on suspicion of sexual crimes against a patient, and police Tuesday urged other possible victims to contact authorities.
Michael Howard Popkin, 67, was arrested on Dec. 5 and booked on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a patient, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was released the following day on $65,000 bail.
“Dr. Popkin … has been licensed to practice medicine in the state of California since 1977,” a police statement said. “Dr. Popkin is accused of sexually assaulting multiple female patients in his office during medical examinations.”
Authorities allege that sexual assaults were committed by Popkin between 2001 and this year, and investigators urged other possible victims to contact them.
“I recognize the difficulty for many sex crimes victims reluctant to report what happened to them, especially if the perpetrator is in a position of trust, like a doctor, and a respected member of the community,” said LAPD Detective Ninette Toosbuy of the West Valley Sex Crimes Unit.
“It is our hope to identify any other victims who have been sexually assaulted by Dr. Popkin,” Toosbuy said.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detective Toosbuy at (818) 374-7718; or (877) LAPD-247.
