Former OB-GYN accused of raping patient 17 years ago

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — A former doctor was in court Tuesday morning for accusations made against him for raping a patient nearly 17 years ago.

John Marshall was read the charges against him, waived his right to a court appointed attorney and was told when he need to be in court next.

After, he walked outside with his attorney but would not say anything as he crossed the street from the courthouse.

His attorney said he is innocent.

Marshall's accuser said she went to the Emergency Room in 1996 on Memorial Day weekend, complaining of a stomach virus, but said Marshall, who was then an Ob-Gyn, told her there was a problem with her reproductive system.

The woman told police she was given medication that left her unable to move, but conscious and claims Marshall raped her while another doctor sexually assaulted her.

Eyewitness News obtained his disciplinary record with the state and found years of complaints alleging he improperly touched female workers and behaved unprofessionally with patients.

The complaints date back more than 15 years -- about the same time the woman alleges Marshall raped her.

The victim in this case told police she tried to forget her experience at the hospital, and later told people she knew, but they didn't believe her.

The other doctor has since died.

They said it took that long to go through hospital records to get enough evidence to file charges.

Marshall's record with the state medical board shows his license was suspended in 1996 for unprofessional conduct with patients.

The next year, he got his license back but could only see female patients when a female chaperone was present.

Records show female workers then complained of unwelcome touching and rubbing.

After a string of complaints, his license was indefinitely suspended in 2011.

He was arrested at his Lincoln County home Monday.

Eyewitness News spoke with neighbors who said they could not believe it.

“I’m pretty shocked that this kind of thing happened in our community. I’m also concerned,” said neighbor Leslie Pressley.

Now, he's facing the possibility of life in jail.

Police believe there are more victims out there.

They want anyone with questions to call them.

WSOC