Aliso Viejo Phlebotomist Jose Farias Accused of Sexual Assault, More Victims Sought

ALISO VIEJO, CA — Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department sought the public’s help Thursday tracking down potential victims of a phlebotomist in a medical laboratory in Aliso Viejo accused of touching customers in a “sexual way,” authorities said.

San Juan Capistrano resident Jose Farias, 29, was booked Wednesday on suspicion of battery. He was released from jail at an unknown time, according to jail records.

OCSD Sgt. Todd Hylton said that on Aug. 29, an 18-year-old woman told deputies that she was touched in a sexual manner by Farias as she gave blood. On Sept. 20, a 30-year-old woman came forward with a similar allegation, he said.

“Due to Farias’ access to patients who came for blood draws, investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking the for the public’s help,” a department statement said.

Residents with additional information about the case are asked to call the OCSD at 714-647-7419. Residents can also submit anonymous tips to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.

Manly, Stewart & Finaldi has represented hundreds of sexual abuse victims of doctors throughout the United States. We were the lead attorneys helping sexual abuse victims of former USC doctor George Tyndall in recovering $852 million from the University of Southern California.  We are also the lead attorneys representing Olympic athletes and victims of former US Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Team Doctor Larry Nassar and secured $890 million in settlements for our clients. We secured a $243.6 million settlement on behalf of sexual abuse victims of former doctor James Heaps at UCLA. In each of these cases we have helped victims and families get justice by conducting a thorough investigation of the organization and the hospital, clinic or company that employs them .In many cases we have discovered that administrators and executives know that the perpetrator was a danger to patients and either did nothing or actively covered up the crimes.