Florida Doctor Accused of Raping Sedated Patients Dies From Apparent Suicide

A Florida doctor. accused last week of raping sedated women in his practice at a medical spa, is dead.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigated on Monday after Eric Andrew Salata’s ankle monitor had not moved for several hours, according to WINK. They found him in a ditch in a wooded area near his home with a gunshot wound to the head.

A deputy located the body after seeing a boot. A pistol was lying next to his leg, authorities said.

Salata, 54, was arrested on two counts of sexual battery on a physically helpless person on November 21 and released on bond the following day. Two women, aged 51 and 72, said that Salata raped them after giving them nitrous oxice, laughing gas, while they underwent a procedure at Pure Vida Medical Spa, which he owned with his wife.

Authorities said Salata left two notes behind at his home, along with his wedding ring and credit cards. They did not reveal what the notes said.

Police have not said that his death was a suicide because an autopsy has not been completed, but the sheriff’s office said that his death is not suspicious.

Adam Horowitz, an attorney for one of the doctor’s victims, released a statement to The Daily Beast saying Salata “escaped justice.”

“It is disappointing and frustrating that Dr. Salata has escaped justice,” Horowitz wrote. “It took tremendous courage for my client to tell her truth. She was ready to hold him accountable in court.”

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[Featured image: Eric Andrew Salata/Collier County Sheriff’s Office]