A physical therapist employed by Inova Health System has been charged with sexually assaulting one of his patients.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, officers were called to Inova’s Center for Personalized Health campus on Innovation Park Drive in Merrifield at 12:28 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 8) after a woman reported being sexually assaulted by her physical therapist during an appointment.
“The victim attempted to leave but the suspect blocked her from exiting and took her phone,” the FCPD said in a press release. “The victim was eventually able to leave and reported the incident.”
Major Crimes Bureau detectives learned during their investigation that the therapist — identified as 34-year-old Samuel Young Choi from Chantilly — allegedly sexually assaulted the same patient while he was treating her on a previous occasion, the FCPD says.
Choi was arrested on Monday and charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery as well as robbery and abduction. He remains in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center following a bond hearing this morning (Thursday), according to online court records.
A preliminary hearing for the case has been scheduled at the Fairfax County General District Court for Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
Inova said in a statement that it’s aware of the allegations against Choi, who has now been placed on administrative leave.
“We take these allegations seriously and are committed to a safe care environment for our patients and community,” Inova said. “We are fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we cannot comment further on the pending legal matter.”
The FCPD says detectives are now looking to hear from anyone with additional information, including possible other victims. The Major Crimes Bureau can be contacted at 703-246-7800, option 3.
This story was updated with a statement from Inova.
