Texas City, TX – A Houston-area doctor faces severe allegations after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, as confirmed by local authorities and court documents.
Details of the Sexual Abuse Charges Held Against Local Doctor
The Deer Park Police Department identified the suspect as Dwayne Dunbar, 36, of Webster. Dunbar, who works as a pain medicine physician in the Houston area, including Houston Physicians’ Hospital, and has practiced for eight years, is currently out of jail on a $75,000 bond. He is charged with sexual assault of a child aged 14 to 17.
Police Investigation Reveals Online Predatory Behavior
According to police, Dunbar used online dating apps to search for underage girls, developing relationships under false pretenses. Investigators say he presented himself as 18 to 24 years old and contacted multiple people online. The case came to police attention at the end of February when a school resource officer reported a potential assault.
“When you see someone like that with a higher status in the community take advantage of young people like that, it’s always a shame, but we treat it like any other case and investigate it to its fullest,” stated Lt. Chris Brown of the Deer Park Police Department.
Victim’s Account and Digital Evidence
The girl who contacted authorities said she was messaged on Instagram by someone she believed to be 19 or 20 years old. The individual, later identified as Dunbar, reportedly used Snapchat to communicate and arranged to pick her up outside her home between October and November of last year. According to court records, he then gave her alcohol at his apartment before allegedly sexually assaulting her.
Court documents also show Dunbar admitted to meeting with the girl at his apartment several times in 2024, though he denied having sexual intercourse.
What Community Members Can Do
Anyone with knowledge of Dunbar’s activities or additional victims is encouraged to contact the Deer Park Police Department’s Lt. Brown at (281) 930-2142 or email crimetips@deerparktx.org.
Online Safety
Digital safety advocate and technology commentator Juan Guevara Torres notes that this kind of online scheme is unfortunate but a regular occurrence. He emphasizes that many online predators use platforms like Instagram and Snapchat because of the platforms’ ability to disguise identities and create disappearing messages. Some fake profiles now use artificial intelligence to generate highly convincing images.
“If the profile was created recently within the first six months, that’s a yellow alert, maybe a red alert,” Guevara Torres warns. He urges parents not to allow young teens to have unsupervised social media accounts, noting, “It’s way better to have an argument with your teenage girl or boy than to be dealing with situations like this.” He further stresses the need for parents to know their children’s passwords and monitor their online activity to prevent further incidents.
Protecting Children Online
Keeping children safe in digital spaces requires constant vigilance. Parents and guardians should audit devices, review messaging history, and pay careful attention to any signs of secretive online behavior. The warning from this case is clear: open communication, active monitoring, and awareness of online risks are vital for every family.
Legal Paths for Victims of Doctor Sexual Assault
When allegations arise against medical professionals accused of sexual assault, victims face complex legal challenges in navigating their options. Anjali Nigam, a seasoned Texas sexual abuse lawyer, discusses the rights victims hold and the steps they can take to hold their abusers accountable. The conversation focuses on criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and the role of medical boards in protecting future patients.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal recourse does a victim have when sexually assaulted by a doctor?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Victims can take several important steps. First, they should report the abuse to law enforcement to initiate a criminal investigation. Beyond criminal charges, they can file a civil lawsuit against the doctor to seek financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages. It’s also crucial to report the doctor to the state medical board, which may investigate and revoke the doctor’s license to protect future patients.
Banville: What should victims know about the challenges in these cases?
Nigam: Criminal prosecution can be difficult due to the high burden of proof, but civil cases require a lower standard—just that it’s more likely than not the abuse occurred. Survivors should not wait for criminal outcomes to seek civil remedies. Legal representation experienced in medical sexual abuse cases can help protect victims from intimidation and ensure their rights are upheld throughout the process.
Banville: Are there ways healthcare institutions can be held accountable?
Nigam: Yes, if a hospital or clinic knew or should have known about the abusive behavior and failed to act, they can be held liable for negligence in hiring or supervision.
Take Action Now: Free Confidential Legal Consultation Available
Victims of sexual assault by medical professionals and their families do not have to face the aftermath alone. Expert legal help is available to guide survivors through every step of the process, from reporting abuse to pursuing compensation and safeguarding future patients. If you or a loved one has experienced such an assault, reach out today for a free, confidential consultation to understand your rights and explore your legal options. Immediate action can make a lasting difference.
Source
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-area-doctor-deer-park-accused-sexual-assault-child
