OREM, Utah — New sexual misbehavior claims have been made against Utah Valley University and one of its former healthcare providers. Two former students said the healthcare provider “disguised sexual abuse under the guise of medical care.”
Two Jane Doe students sued Derrick Pickering in September, saying that he sexually assaulted them in 2016 and 2018 while they were at risk because he was a healthcare worker.
It is said that both of the alleged victims went to the University Health Center for a usual checkup. One woman allegedly wanted to get checked out so she could do a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The other woman was looking for a regular doctor to help her keep track of her medications.
Both times, the women said Pickering made them feel like they needed a breast check and a pap smear. The lawsuit says that Pickering then gave both exams and reportedly touched the students inappropriately while they were taking them.
The two victims said that Pickering made them feel bad. When the first victim made the report, college police and Student Health Services told the victim there was no crime to worry about. Many years after the “weird and awkward appointment,” the second victim found out that it was actually abuse after other women came forward against Pickering.
The lawsuit says that Pickering’s actions were not medically required. “They were sexual assaults that he knew he was doing and did on purpose for no other reason than to gain sexual pleasure.”
Scott Trotter, a spokesman for Utah Valley University, told ABC4.com that the school knew about the case and takes it very seriously.
In a statement, UVU said, “Our top priority is the health and success of our students, faculty, and staff, and we are dedicated to providing a safe and helpful environment for them.” “We can’t say anything else because the case is still going on in court.”
As of Thursday, Oct. 31, Pickering has not been charged with any crimes, and the Division of Professional Licensing has not taken away his Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license.
Source: 2 former UVU students allege nurse sexually assualted them ‘under the guise of medical care’
