Kaiser Doctor Accused of Molestation

Montebello - Authorities today urged people to contact police if they believe they were victimized by Dr. Arturo Vargas, who was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of molesting an adult female patient at a Kaiser Permanente medical office in Montebello.

Vargas, 41, was booked on suspicion of sexual penetration by a foreign object, sexual battery by fraud and sexual exploitation by a physician, said Montebello police Detective Javier Ornelas. Vargas was released on $200,000 bail, and was scheduled to appear in East Los Angeles court on Friday, according to the sheriff's department.

Police scheduled a news conference later today to seek other possible victims.

The investigation began after a woman told authorities she went to the Kaiser office for an examination by Vargas, according to police.

"The doctor allegedly victimized the patient," police said in a statement. "She reported the incident to the Montebello Police Department." The woman's name was not released.

Police obtained an arrest warrant, and Vargas surrendered at the police station. Anyone who suspects they may have been victimized by Vargas was urged to call police at (323) 887-1262, or (323) 887-1313.