A dramatic shift in a years-long fight for justice has seen former Oregon doctor David B. Farley, accused by more than 160 patients of sexual abuse, finally indicted on felony charges. This development follows extensive patient advocacy, previous investigatory failures by local authorities, and the eventual intervention of the state’s Attorney General, offering a significant moment of vindication for survivors.
In a powerful culmination of years of relentless advocacy by survivors, David B. Farley, a former family doctor from West Linn, Oregon, has surrendered to authorities and been arraigned on multiple felony sexual abuse charges. This pivotal moment on Friday, October 10, 2025, marks a significant breakthrough in a case where allegations of abuse spanned over a decade and faced initial setbacks in the justice system.
Farley, 67, pleaded not guilty to nine counts of sexual abuse and two related felony counts, involving three female patients, one of whom was under 14 years old. The charges cover incidents alleged to have occurred between February 2009 and July 2020. A judge has set a trial date for December 6.
A History of Allegations and Persistent Pursuit of Justice
The journey to these criminal charges has been arduous and marked by initial frustrations for the numerous women and girls who alleged abuse. Investigations into Farley first began in 2020 when former patients filed complaints with the Oregon Medical Board and local police. These complaints detailed a range of disturbing conduct, from medically unnecessary breast and pelvic exams on underage patients to ungloved pelvic exams and taking naked photographs of minors under the false pretense of educational purposes.
Patients also described “hymenectomies,” where Farley would allegedly insist on breaking their hymens with his hand, claiming it would “make sex more pleasurable.” One former patient, Nicole Snow, who began seeing Farley at 15, told CNN, “I had no idea. I thought this was normal.” Snow stated that the abuse led to health problems that caused her to drop out of high school.
In response to these grave allegations, the Oregon Medical Board conducted its own investigation, leading to the revocation of Farley’s medical license in October 2020, as documented on the Oregon Medical Board’s official website.
Initial Failures in the Local Justice System
Despite the Medical Board’s findings, the path to criminal charges proved difficult. The West Linn Police Department initiated its own investigation, led by District Attorney John Wentworth. In 2022, the case was presented to a grand jury, but after deliberations, the grand jury concluded there wasn’t enough evidence for a criminal indictment, and Farley was not charged.
Survivors and their attorney, Tom D’Amore, strongly criticized Wentworth’s handling of the case, alleging that only a small fraction of women who filed police reports were allowed to testify. In a March 2024 op-ed for the West Linn’s newspaper, Wentworth defended his actions, stating that “all known patients with a colorable claim of abuse testified before the grand jury.” He attributed the grand jury’s decision to “a litany of issues outside our control.”
Scrutiny of the West Linn Police Investigation
An independent investigation commissioned by the City of West Linn in November 2022 later revealed significant policy violations during the police department’s handling of the case. Released on February 6, 2025, the 34-page report outlined several critical conclusions:
- The lead detective lacked proper training to investigate sexual abuse allegations, failing to educate himself on medical and legal standards.
- Victim advocates were absent during 17 of 43 reviewed interviews, violating policy.
- Survivors reported discrepancies between their recorded interviews and written police reports.
- The lead detective was found to have treated some witnesses “callously” and failed to use trauma-informed interviewing techniques, which violates department policy.
In response to these findings, the City of West Linn issued a news release stating, “We could and should have done better.” The city has since added a detective sergeant position to oversee investigations and committed to providing officers with trauma-informed training.
Exploiting Community Trust: A Double Betrayal
A disturbing aspect of the case is how Farley allegedly leveraged his position not only as a doctor but also as a respected elder within his tightknit Mormon community in West Linn. Many of his patients were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where his status as a trusted leader reportedly conferred a level of implicit trust that allowed him to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. This exploitation of both medical and religious authority represents a profound betrayal of trust within the community.
The State Steps In: A New Grand Jury and Indictment
Undeterred by previous setbacks, Farley’s patients continued their fight for criminal charges, including a civil lawsuit filed in 2020 that now includes more than 160 patients, some as young as five years old. They lobbied vigorously for the state’s attorney general to reopen the criminal case.
In December 2024, the Clackamas District Attorney’s office, after years of defending its initial handling, requested that the Oregon Attorney General’s office take over the investigation. While the AG’s office initially commented only that it was reviewing the case, it quietly proceeded with confidential grand jury sessions, ultimately leading to last week’s indictment. Attorney Tom D’Amore lauded the survivors, stating, “Their commitment to accountability, even in the face of such disregard, is nothing short of heroic.”
Former patient Katie Medley, who has openly shared her story, reflected on the long struggle: “When I was assaulted, I thought I was alone, I thought I had misread things. My faith in our justice system was tried over the years. But my sister survivors and I have never stopped speaking out and now we have been vindicated.”
What Lies Ahead: Trial and Broader Implications
Farley, who has since moved to Nephi, Utah, and remains an active member of his church community there, was granted bond set at $500,000. He is permitted to leave the state if bond is posted but has signed an extradition waiver to ensure his return for court appearances and trial. Through his attorney, he has consistently declined to comment on the allegations.
This case highlights critical issues surrounding accountability in the medical profession, the power dynamics within trusted community roles, and the systemic challenges faced by survivors seeking justice. The failures in the initial investigations underscore the vital need for trauma-informed approaches in law enforcement and robust oversight by regulatory bodies to protect vulnerable populations.
As the December 6 trial date approaches, the focus remains on ensuring comprehensive justice for the numerous survivors who have tirelessly fought for this moment.
