On April 14, 2025, a cardiothoracic surgeon from Pensacola, Dr. Francis Herrbold, was convicted by a jury of sexual battery in Walton County, Florida. Herrbold was taken into custody after the guilty verdict and faces up to 15 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 3. Herrbold, 54, has been licensed to practice medicine in Florida since 2004. Dr. Herrbold worked at HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola prior to his arrest and was suspended amid the allegations.
According to media reports, the incident occurred on June 24, 2023, during the fishing tournament at Sandestin Marina. The court testimony states that Herrbold was on the victim’s yacht with friends while the boat was docked in the marina. The group was socializing during the tournament festivities, and everyone was instructed to leave when it was over. At the end of the night, the victim went to sleep in the yacht’s main cabin. The victim’s friend locked the only door to the yacht to secure the victim alone inside for the night. The victim’s friend made sure everyone else left, but could not awaken Herrbold, who was passed out on a bench on the boat. Investigators state that Herrbold climbed along the side of the yacht and lowered himself through a hatch into the guest cabin. The victim was awoken by Herrbold sexually battering her. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation after the victim reported the rape to the police the following day. The woman told law enforcement she kicked him off her, saying he had a girlfriend and she had a boyfriend, and Herrbold replied with “this never happened” and ” I will deny it if you say anything.” documents show. Herrbold later told the police that the sexual encounter was consensual, adding that he and the woman had been flirting throughout the day, according to the arrest report. Deputies later interviewed several witnesses on the boat who “discredited the actions as described by Herrbold.”
Who is Dr. Francis Herrbold?
Herrbold is a renowned cardiothoracic surgery specialist and is board-certified in general surgery. After graduating from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1998, he completed his residency at the University of Florida Medical School, Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency and the Medical College of Wisconsin, General Surgery Residency. According to Herrbold’s website, he began working at the Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, Georgia, from 2005 to 2020. He then joined HCA Florida West Hospital.
Finding the right medical provider can be challenging. We seek out seasoned professionals who possess good bedside manners and empathy. When patients finally decide on one, they hope to feel better over time and not be violated by the very person with whom we place our trust. Healthcare providers hold a position of power in the physician-patient relationship. It is both unacceptable and unlawful for a healthcare professional to touch a patient in any sexual manner or practice any sexual misconduct while treating the patient.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against medical professionals on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched in their care. Under no circumstances is a doctor or nurse permitted to have sexual contact with a patient. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery at a medical office or facility, or if you know someone who has, please get in touch with our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.