The Flagler County Sheriff's Office has filed two misdemeanor criminal charges against former doctor Florence Freuhan in connection with inappropriately touching two female clients. At least five women in all have reported that their doctor, Florence Fruehan, made inappropriate and unwanted sexual contact with them. The five women range in age from 39 to 74. The criminal statute of limitations expired on the other claims for which he was not charged.
Previously, Palm Coast doctor Florence Fruehan had agreed to quit practicing medicine and relinquish his medical license as part of a disciplinary agreement with the Florida Department of Health. The Florida Department of Health later issued a Final Order on December 6, 2018 accepting the Dr. Freuhan's offer to relinquish his license which the Department construes as disciplinary action against his license. Notably, Florence Fruehan may never again apply for license as an osteopathic physician in the State of Florida.
The agreement was made after Dr. Fruehan's license was restricted after he was accused of sexual misconduct by the Department. Fruehan remains under criminal investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office following multiple claims of sexual misconduct with female clients. Dr. Fruehan had been licensed as an osteopathic physician in Florida since 1987.
The agreement specifies that Fruehan surrendering his license "shall be construed as disciplinary action against [his] license" pursuant to Florida law. " As with any disciplinary action, this relinquishment will be reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank as disciplinary action. Licensing authorities in other states may impose discipline in their jurisdiction based on discipline taken in Florida."
The Department of Health action was based on allegations by one of Dr. Fruehan's patients, a 54-year-old Palm Coast woman identified as "J.M." She reports she was seen by Dr. Fruehan and treated for epilepsy for the past two years. During a May 24, 2018 visit, she said Dr. Fruehan led her into an exam room after she told him she was due for a mammogram and groped both of her breasts through her blouse and bra. Earlier in the visit, Dr. Fruehan had learned that J.M.. recently became a widow.
Dr. Florence Fruehan was previously charged with sexual battery in May 2006 after a 26-year-old Palm Coast woman accused him of touching her inappropriately during an exam while her husband was in the room. Flagler County courthouse records also indicate that Dr.. Fruehan was the subject of two arrests for misdemeanor battery-on June 23, 1995, and on Jan. 16, 1996. The charges were all dropped.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who was a patient of Dr. Fruehan and feels that they had an inappropriate experience to call them at (386) 313-4911.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted by a physician or at a doctor's office or hospital, it is important to have a lawyer experienced in these matters. We are experienced in handling cases involving sexual assault by doctors and other medical personnel. If you have a been a victim of sexual assault by a doctor in a hospital or medical office, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at (954) 641-2100 or send an email to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com