OREM, Utah (ABC4) — Utah Valley University and one of its former healthcare providers are at the center of new allegations of sexual misconduct after two former students claimed the healthcare provider “disguised sexual abuse under the guise of medical care.”
In a lawsuit filed in September, two Jane Doe students allege Derrick Pickering took advantage of his position as a healthcare provider and their vulnerability to sexually assault them in 2016 and 2018.
Both alleged victims describe going to the University Health Center for a regular examination. One woman was reportedly seeking a physical examination in order to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The other woman was seeking to establish a regular healthcare provider to manage her needed prescriptions.
In both cases, the women stated Pickering made it feel also though a breast exam and pap smear were required. According to the lawsuit, Pickering would go on to conduct both exams, allegedly inappropriately touching the students while completing the exams.
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The two victims said Pickering made them feel uncomfortable. When the first victim reported the complaint, campus police and Student Health Services dismissed the complaint saying there was no criminal matter. The second victim realized only years later that the “weird and awkward appointment” was abuse after several other women came forward against Pickering years later.
“Pickering’s actions were not medically necessary,” the lawsuit alleges. “They were acts of sexual battery which he knowingly and intentionally performed for no other reason other than his own sexual gratification.”
Utah Valley University spokesperson Scott Trotter told ABC4.com that the university was aware of the lawsuit and it takes the matters very seriously.
“Our priority is the well-being and success of our students, faculty, and staff and we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for them,” UVU said in a statement. “We cannot comment beyond this given it is an ongoing legal matter.”
Pickering has not been charged with any criminal conduct as of Thursday, Oct. 31, and his Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license remains in good standing with the Division of Professional Licensing.
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