Image sources: Gerald Pinatacan, courtesy of the Turlock Police Department. Central Valley Cardiovascular Medical Group, © Google, via Google Maps.
Gerald Echauge “Eugene” Pinatacan, 45, was formerly employed as an ultrasound technician at Central Valley Cardiovascular Medical Group in Turlock, CA.
He has been arrested twice this year after different patients reported being sexually assaulted during medical exams. His full legal name appears in court records as Gerald Echauge Pinatacan; he is also identified as Gerald Eugene Pinatacan in police and media reports.
Turlock police arrested Gerald Pinatacan on November 19, 2025, after a woman reported that an ultrasound technician had sexually assaulted her during a medical appointment.
On November 5, 2025, the victim had contacted detectives and stated that the assault occurred during a February 2025 appointment at the clinic’s Colorado Avenue office. She told investigators that “the technician performed actions that were not consistent with the medical procedure she was scheduled to receive and made statements that caused her to believe the conduct was medically necessary.” (Turlock PD)
According to the Turlock Police Department, she “reported additional concerning behavior by the same technician” during another appointment in March of that year.
Earlier Arrest and Charges
While investigating the November report, detectives learned that Pinatacan had already been arrested earlier in the year after a different patient came forward with similar allegations.
According to a report by responding Officer Gustavo Gomez, this patient was undergoing an ultrasound exam of the varicose veins on her leg in April 2025 when Pinatacan allegedly began touching her inappropriately. According to the Turlock Journal’s summary of the incident,
he instructed her to remove her underwear and lie on her stomach, and then continued to touch her inappropriately.
The woman reported what happened to a medical assistant, who said the exam never required her to remove her underwear or lie on her stomach. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Pinatacan admitted to the sexual assault, describing his actions as a “mistake” and a “spur-of-the-moment thing.” The report states that he apologized. (Turlock Journal)
This incident led to Pinatacan’s first arrest on April 9, 2025, after which he was fired from his position at Central Valley Cardiovascular Medical Group and charged with sexual battery by restraint.
Once investigators reviewed the most recent statement from November and supporting documentation, they obtained a second arrest warrant. Pinatacan was taken into custody after a separate court hearing and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on charges of sexual penetration with a foreign object and sexual battery for the purpose of sexual arousal.
Police Encourage Anyone Harmed to Contact Investigators
Police Chief Jason Hedden described this as an “an extremely troubling case.”
In a news release, he stated, “When someone seeks medical care, they place complete trust in the professionals who are there to help them. That trust was violated. Our department is committed to holding individuals accountable when they abuse positions of authority and cause harm, and we encourage anyone who may have been impacted to come forward.”
Dominique Sanchez of TPD told ABC 10, “‘It’s sickening, quite honestly, you know, you go in there because, you know, you’re seeking help. And you are putting your trust into these medical professionals and taking their advice and doing what they’re saying to do, it’s, it’s truly sickening,’”
Authorities believe there may be additional victims in this case and are encouraging anyone who may have been harmed by Pinatacan to contact Detective Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539.
Potential Civil Liability
Although Central Valley Cardiovascular Medical Group terminated Pinatacan after his April arrest, removing an employee does not eliminate the possibility of civil liability. In cases involving sexual abuse in healthcare settings, a medical practice may be held responsible for harm that occurred within its walls.
In potential civil cases, attorneys examine whether an institution such as a medical facility fulfilled its responsibility to protect patients. This may include reviewing supervision practices, patient safety and chaperone policies, and the training provided to staff performing procedures. Legal teams also assess whether leadership failed to address earlier concerns or warning signs.
Even if a facility takes action after a report, it can still be accountable if stronger policies or earlier intervention could have prevented harm.
Survivors harmed during medical exams may have the right to pursue civil claims for the long-term impact of abuse by a healthcare provider.
Legal Options for Survivors
If you or someone you love experienced inappropriate touching or concerning behavior during a medical appointment with Gerald Pinatacan, you are not alone.
Many survivors in healthcare settings feel unsure about what happened, especially when a provider presents the conduct as medically necessary. Speaking with a trauma-informed attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you may have grounds for a civil case.
Our firm represents sexual abuse survivors in many types of cases, including those involving abuse by medical professionals. A civil claim is separate from the criminal process and can help uncover what occurred inside the institution, hold those responsible accountable, seek compensation for the emotional and physical harm caused, and prevent future injustices.
Our firm offers free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options and take the next steps toward healing and accountability.
Contact us today.
