07/19/2008

Associated Press

A former Bend doctor has pleaded no contest to groping and sex abuse charges involving 12 of his patients.

Gilbert Lee, 57, avoids jail time but must register as a sex offender as part of the plea. The former internist, who has since moved from Bend to Multnomah County, surrendered his medical license last year.

According to court documents, Lee inappropriately touched and groped 12 female patients between the ages of 30 and 50 between 2003 and 2007.

In addition to registering as a sex offender, Lee must pay nearly $10,000 out to his victims and perform 200 hours of community service. He will be on probation for 60 months.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Barbara Haslinger presided over Friday's sentencing.

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Information from: KTVZ-TV, http://www.ktvz.com/