Thursday, February 25, 2010
BRIDGEWATER, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania physician has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges that he fondled, kissed or groped nine female patients during examinations since 2007.
Dr. Robert Knapp, 56, an endocrinologist from Bridgewater, must now stand trial or otherwise resolve the nine indecent assault charges in Beaver County Common Pleas Court.
He waived the hearing Wednesday.
Knapp’s lawyer, Bernard Rabik, has suggested the women are lying and cited a pending civil case as a motive. On Wednesday, Rabik said the doctor will fight the criminal charges.
Bridgewater Police Chief Doug Adams says more than 30 women have accused Knapp of inappropriate behavior, but some of the claims are too old to prosecute.