Key Takeaways
- Louisiana authorities have obtained an arrest warrant for Dr. David Beary on four counts of sexual battery.
- The allegations involve patients who were allegedly touched inappropriately during medical procedures at St. Bernard Parish Hospital.
- The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
- Survivors of medical sexual abuse may have civil legal options.
Arrest Warrant for Dr. David Beary
Louisiana authorities are investigating allegations involving Dr. David Beary, a 71-year-old gastroenterologist from Metairie.
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) obtained a warrant for his arrest on four counts of sexual battery. Sheriff James Pohlmann announced the warrant on June 24, 2026, stating that “Beary is a gastroenterologist who at the time of the incidents had medical privileges at St. Bernard Parish Hospital.”
According to local media reports, the allegations involve patients who were allegedly touched inappropriately during medical procedures at St. Bernard Parish Hospital, and witnesses reported the incidents.
As of June 25, Beary was located and taken into custody.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau Tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS (8477), or Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111.
Dr. David Beary’s Reported Practice and Hospital Affiliations
Dr. David Allan Beary reportedly has 40+ years of experience in the medical field.
According to physician listings, Dr. David Beary has practiced at or held affiliations with the following healthcare facilities:
- His own practice, Dr. David A. Beary, MD, APMC
- Mallik Endocrinology Clinic (Dr. Tilak K. Mallik, MD )
- West Jefferson Medical Center
- Bridgepoint Continuing Care Hospital
- St. Bernard Parish Hospital
Dr. David Beary’s Prior Arrest
This is not Beary’s first encounter with law enforcement. In 2019, he was arrested on a count of driving while intoxicated, and he entered a diversion program.
Prior Medical Board Discipline
Dr. David Beary was previously disciplined by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
- 1997: The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners suspended Dr. Beary’s medical license after determining that his recurring abuse of controlled substances could impair his ability to practice medicine safely. The Board also found that he had written prescriptions for controlled substances in the names of other individuals for his own personal use.
- 1997: Rather than revoke his license, the Board allowed Dr. Beary to enter substance abuse treatment and participate in the Louisiana State Medical Society’s Physician Health Program.
- 1998: The Board reinstated Dr. Beary’s medical license on five years of probation, subject to conditions including treatment, monitoring, abstinence, and restrictions on his controlled substance prescribing privileges.
- 2002: After determining that Dr. Beary had successfully complied with the probationary conditions, the Board restored his medical license without restrictions.
The current criminal investigation is separate from Dr. Beary’s prior disciplinary history. However, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners could pursue additional disciplinary action against his medical license related to the current charges.
The Hospital’s Response to the Arrest of Dr. David Beary
According to the media, “Hospital CEO Kim Ellender said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that the hospital took immediate action after learning of the allegations against Beary and is cooperating with law enforcement and ‘regulatory authorities.’”
Beary has apparently not treated patients at the facility since May 1, but it is unknown when the alleged crimes occurred.
An institution’s response after allegations surface, however, does not automatically protect them from civil liability. In civil cases involving alleged physician sexual abuse, investigations can determine what a hospital or healthcare organization knew (or reasonably should have known) before the alleged misconduct occurred. That may include whether prior complaints or other warning signs should have prompted earlier action to protect patients. Even if an institution acts promptly after learning of allegations, questions may still remain regarding whether reasonable safeguards were in place before the alleged misconduct occurred.
Civil Liability for Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions
Patients place extraordinary trust in their physicians, particularly during examinations and medical procedures that require physical contact. When that trust is violated, patients may have civil legal options.
A civil lawsuit may examine whether a hospital, medical practice, or other healthcare organization failed to protect patients. Depending on the facts of a case, an institution may face civil liability if it:
- Failed to investigate prior complaints or reports of misconduct;
- Ignored warning signs that a provider posed a risk to patients; or
- Failed to implement reasonable safeguards designed to protect patients.
Civil litigation can provide survivors with an opportunity to seek accountability, answers, and financial compensation.
Andreozzi and Foote is Investigating Allegations
Being harmed by a medical professional can be deeply traumatic. Patients place trust in providers during vulnerable moments, and violations of that trust can have lasting effects.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we have decades of experience representing survivors of sexual abuse by trusted professionals, including doctors and healthcare providers.
We recognize how difficult it can be to come forward, especially when the abuse involved someone who was supposed to provide care. Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and guide you through your options with compassion and clarity.
Andreozzi and Foote is investigating allegations involving Dr. David Beary. If you or someone you love was harmed by Dr. David Beary or another doctor, please reach out to us. All consultations are free and confidential.
You do not have to face this alone. Help is available, and justice is possible.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Left: Dr. David A. Beary, via WDSU. Right Dr. David A Beary, via Doximity. Background: St. Bernard Parish Hospital, courtesy of Ochsner.org
