By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former family doctor David B. Farley surrendered to authorities in Oregon and was arraigned on felony sexual abuse charges, stemming from accusations made by over 160 patients. A grand jury indicted Farley on nine counts of sexual abuse and related charges involving three patients over 11 years, including one minor. The 67-year-old pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for December 6th. The charges against Farley come after years of investigation, including a previous instance where a grand jury declined to indict him in 2022.
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The women of an Oregon suburb have said for years their family doctor abused them. Now he’s facing criminal charges, and it’s a story that’s been a long time in the making. For years, a group of women in a tight-knit Oregon community have been speaking out about the alleged abuse they suffered at the hands of their family doctor. Now, finally, after years of accusations, the doctor is facing criminal charges. It’s a case that highlights the courage of the victims and the complex dynamics of power, faith, and trust within a community.
Farley, the doctor in question, is accused of heinous acts. It’s alleged that he would insist on breaking the hymens of his patients, and even told at least one teenage patient that he was doing so to make sex more pleasurable. The allegations paint a picture of a doctor who abused his position of trust and authority to inflict lasting harm on his patients.
Many of the women who claim to be victims found Farley through their church. They were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Linn, Oregon, a suburb just south of Portland. This adds another layer to the story, as Farley was seen as a leader in their close-knit Mormon community. It’s been suggested that his status as a respected elder within the congregation provided a level of trust that allowed him to take advantage of the women. The community’s faith in him, coupled with his position as a healthcare provider, created a perfect storm of vulnerability.
The survivors’ claims were initially met with scrutiny and, according to attorney Tom D’Amore, who represents Farley’s former patients in a civil lawsuit, were even dismissed. He emphasizes the courage of the women who came forward, calling their commitment to accountability heroic, especially given the initial lack of support from authorities. The fact that these women persevered despite facing disbelief and dismissal is a testament to their bravery and determination.
The Clackamas District Attorney’s office, after years of defending its handling of the case, requested the Oregon Attorney General take over the investigation in December 2024. The Attorney General’s office is currently reviewing the case. This shift in responsibility suggests the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough, unbiased investigation. It’s a crucial step toward ensuring justice is served, but it also raises questions about the initial handling of the case and how long it took for action to be taken.
The long delay in bringing charges is a significant part of the story. While the women have been speaking out for years, it has taken considerable time for the legal process to catch up. It makes you wonder how many people were involved in the initial investigation, and what their own connections to the community were.
It took a large number of women coming forward before the authorities took the situation seriously. It highlights the challenges victims face when reporting abuse, particularly when the accused holds a position of power and is intertwined with the community’s social fabric.
The article also touches upon the complexities of the Mormon religion, the alleged abuser’s role within the church, and the impact of the doctor’s actions on the victims. The victims’ experiences raise questions about the role of faith in their lives and how their trust was betrayed.
The reactions to the story are varied. Some are filled with anger and a desire for justice, while others express concern about the potential for harm. The reactions also highlight the potential damage caused by a religious leader who is accused of abusing his position of trust.
There is a sense of outrage that builds as the story unfolds. Some express hope that the doctor will face severe consequences for his alleged actions. There is a strong desire for him to receive punishment.
Ultimately, this is a story about the courage of survivors, the abuse of power, and the long journey toward justice. The women’s voices, heard after years of silence, are now shaping the narrative and hopefully moving it toward accountability.