Sexual assault charges filed against Utah gynecologist

PROVO – The Utah County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against a gynecologist who was previously accused of sexual assault.

Dr. David Harrison Broadbent is accused of sexual abuse. More than 100 women have filed lawsuits claiming that Broadbent abused them during their medical treatment. The case was heard in the Utah Supreme Court in October last year.

“It was a lot of emotions,” said Crystal Wylie when she heard the news of Broadbent’s criminal charges. She is one of dozens of women who have filed charges against him. “It took so long,” she said.

Wylie was a patient of Broadbent’s in the early 2000s, then a teenager preparing for motherhood. “I’ve had seven children. This was my first child, and I’ve never had any other exams or visits like I or Dr. Broadbent had, which were painful and violent.”

“I know he will be brought to justice,” Wylie said. She is grateful for all the other women who have come forward and encourages other victims of abuse to speak out. “If you don’t, nothing will happen.”

Last fall, the Utah Supreme Court heard oral arguments about whether a civil case involving a gynecologist should be treated as a medical malpractice case or a sexual assault case. A decision has not yet been made.

A spokesman for the Utah County Attorney’s Office said they will continue to investigate other allegations to determine whether additional charges will be filed.

It is not yet known when Broadbent will appear in court.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated