Yates also admitted that there was no legitimate medical reason for his actions and he deprived the veterans of their constitutional rights while acting in his capacity as a federal employee and VA physician.
Furthermore, he pleaded guilty to causing pain to the veterans- two of them were temporarily immobilized. One by cracking his neck, and the other using acupuncture needles before his crimes. His abuses caused five of the veterans to suffer bodily injury.
Yates sentencing is scheduled for January 4, 2021. He is facing up to 30 years in prison.
The Justice Department is committed to seeking justice for veterans
In a statement, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division said. “This doctor abused his position of trust by preying on veterans who came to him for medical treatment. As this prosecution demonstrates, he will now be held accountable for using his position as a VA physician to deceive and molest his patients.”
On the other hand, U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia commented, “By virtue of today’s plea agreement, Yates stands convicted of heinous criminal acts committed against military veterans who served our country honorably and with great sacrifice. Throughout this matter, from the commencement of this investigation to today’s plea, our focus has been on seeking justice for these veterans by holding Yates accountable for these terrible acts.
