Sex Abuse Litigation

All major cases

UCLA and Dr. James Heaps

A university gynecologist's criminal conviction and more than $700 million in settlements.

14 developments, 2019–2026, oldest first.

2019

  1. Former UCLA gynecologist James Heaps charged with sexual battery

    James Heaps, who worked at UCLA for over 30 years, pleaded not guilty to charges involving two patients, and UCLA disclosed it had moved to fire him in 2018.

    Criminal charges University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by Los Angeles Times

  2. Patient sues Heaps and UC regents

    A former patient sued Heaps and the University of California regents alleging misconduct during a 2017 appointment; Heaps denied wrongdoing.

    Lawsuit filed University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by KQED

  3. UCLA was told of allegations against Heaps in 2014, years before firing

    The Times reported UCLA Medical Center received a complaint about Heaps in 2014 but did not move to fire him until 2018; the chancellor apologized and appointed a review committee.

    Allegation University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by Los Angeles Times

  4. Former patients urge UC regents to order independent Heaps investigation

    Former patients, including ex-UCLA gymnast Jeanette Antolin, asked the UC Board of Regents for an independent investigation into Heaps.

    Allegation University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by ABC7 Los Angeles

2020

  1. Heaps now faces 20 felony counts involving seven patients

    Prosecutors expanded the case against Heaps to 20 felony counts involving seven patients from 2011 to 2018; he pleaded not guilty.

    Criminal charges University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by ABC7 Los Angeles

  2. University of California agrees to $73 million class settlement over Heaps

    The UC system proposed a $73 million class-action settlement covering thousands of Heaps's former patients plus reforms such as a chaperone policy.

    Settlement University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by AP

2021

  1. Grand jury indicts Heaps on 21 counts

    A Los Angeles County grand jury indicted Heaps on 21 sex-related felony counts involving seven patients.

    Criminal charges University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by NBC Palm Springs / City News Service

  2. Judge gives final approval to $73 million Heaps class settlement

    A federal judge granted final approval of the $73 million class-action settlement for former Heaps patients.

    Settlement University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by Spectrum News 1

2022

  1. UC settles Heaps lawsuits by 200-plus women for $243.6 million

    The University of California agreed to pay $243.6 million to settle suits by more than 200 women who accused Heaps.

    Settlement University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by AP

  2. UCLA agrees to $374.4 million more, bringing Heaps payouts near $700 million

    A $374.4 million settlement with 312 plaintiffs brought total Heaps-related payments to nearly $700 million, a record for a public university.

    Settlement University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by CBS Los Angeles

  3. Jury convicts Heaps on five counts involving two patients

    A jury convicted Heaps on five felony counts, acquitted him on seven and deadlocked on the rest; he was taken into custody.

    Conviction University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by FOX 11 Los Angeles

2023

  1. Heaps sentenced to 11 years in prison

    A judge sentenced Heaps to 11 years in state prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender.

    Conviction University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by AP

2026

  1. Appeals court overturns Heaps conviction and orders retrial

    A California appeals court overturned Heaps's 2022 conviction because the trial judge did not share a jury note questioning a juror's English proficiency; prosecutors vowed to retry him.

    Verdict University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by NPR

  2. Heaps pleads guilty to 13 counts and is resentenced to 11 years

    After his conviction was overturned, Heaps pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts involving five patients and was again sentenced to 11 years.

    Conviction University of California, Los AngelesUnited States, CaliforniaReported by Courthouse News Service