Florida Doctor Allegedly Gave 2 Patients Laughing Gas, Tequila Before Raping Them

KEY POINTS

The women accused Eric Salata of raping them during medical treatments
One woman alleged she suffered a bruised lip
The accused was a board-certified physician

A Florida doctor has been accused of sexually assaulting two female patients who were undergoing cosmetic procedures at his clinic.

Dr. Eric Salata, 41, allegedly gave the two patients – aged 51 and 72 – alcohol, laughing gas and sedatives (Xanax) before their cosmetic procedures at Pura Vida Medical Spa in Collier County, Wesh reported Thursday. He was arrested Monday.

The women complained about the doctor to Naples Police around late October and explained how Salata assaulted them during their medical treatments.

One of them told police that Salata, a board-certified physician, gave her a sedative, tequila and laughing gas claiming it will help her overcome pain during the procedure. The mixture allegedly caused her to black out and when she woke up, she found Salata sexually assaulting her.

However, she was unable to stop him and blacked out again. When she woke up the second time, she realized Salata had raped her, reported WFLA.

"The victim felt shocked after the sedation subsided about what had taken place, contacted police, and submitted to a sexual assault examination which was sent to the FDLE laboratory for the continuing investigation," Naples Police said in a statement Tuesday.

The second woman also had a similar experience with the accused while she was under sedation at the medical spa. She told police Salata used laughing gas on her and increased its amount when he began to massage her. The woman said Salata raped her and she suffered a bruised lip in the incident.

"Detectives collected sexual assault evidence, which was also submitted to the FDLE [Florida Department of Law Enforcement] laboratory for comparison and to support a prosecution of Dr. Salata," the press release added.

Salata was reportedly the only medical personnel in the procedure room when the two incidents took place.

Salata was charged with two counts of sexual battery to a physically helpless person and was booked into Collier County Jail. He was released on bond Tuesday, according to jail records, reported Tampa Bay.

Those having any complaints against Salata or more information on the case can contact the Naples Police Department at 239-213-3000.