Former Oregon Doctor David B. Farley Faces Criminal Charges in Decades-Old Abuse Cases
Portland, Oregon – Former physician David B. Farley is facing criminal charges after multiple former patients came forward alleging decades of sexual abuse during treatment in an Oregon suburb. Farley, 62, was arrested Thursday and charged with multiple counts of first-degree sexual abuse, according to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from allegations dating back to the 1990s and early 2000s, involving patients who were treated by Farley at his practice in West Linn, Oregon. For years, survivors say their claims were dismissed or scrutinized, but recent investigations have led to the charges.The case highlights the challenges faced by survivors of sexual abuse in seeking justice and the importance of thorough investigation in such allegations.
“When these survivors first came forward in 2022 … their claims were scrutinized and dismissed rather than properly investigated,” said attorney Tom D’Amore, who represents Farley’s former patients in their civil lawsuit. “Their commitment to accountability, even in the face of such disregard, is nothing short of heroic.”
Several former patients have publicly shared their experiences. Nicole Snow, one of Farley’s former patients, began seeing the doctor when she was 15 and says she was subjected to repeated sexual abuse. “I thought this was normal,” she told CNN.
Former patient Katie medley, who detailed her abuse in an interview with CNN last year, said in a statement Friday, “When I was assaulted, I thought I was alone, I thought I had misread things. My faith in our justice system was tried over the years. But my sister survivors and I have never stopped speaking out and now we have been vindicated.”
Farley has since moved to Nephi, Utah, where he lives with his wife. A longtime friend told CNN that, as of last year, Farley was still an active member of his church community there.
A judge on Friday set bond for Farley at $500,000. Farley is permitted to leave the state if he posts bond, but signed an extradition waiver stating he won’t contest orders that he return to Oregon for court appearances and to stand trial.
