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Deepak Dahyabhai Patel, 56, has been charged with one count of felony Solicitation of Sexual Acts with a Minor by Electronic Means and two counts of misdemeanor Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor via Sexual Acts, authorities in Culpeper County said.
Trouble began around 4 a.m. Dec. 12, 2023, when Culpeper police officers were called by the parents of a juvenile teen who'd gone missing, authorities said.
Police were ultimately led to hotel in the 800 block of Willis Lane where reviewed video that showed the juvenile left the hotel with a man later identified as Patel, of Chester, in a vehicle, they said.
Further investigation found Patel began talking with the juvenile on Grindr, an online dating app, and later WhatsApp. Patel discussed and proposed performing sexual acts with the juvenile, police said.
On two separate occasions, Patel arranged to take the child to hotels where he provided marijuana, smoking devices, and engaged in sexual acts, police said.
Perhaps most disturbing of all, Patel had been employed as a pediatric hospitalist and was assigned to UVA Health at the Culpeper Medical Center.
UVA Health discontinued his services at the time allegations were brought forward. Patel was arrested on March 11, by Culpeper police officers and is being held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail.
Based on allegations made during the investigation, it is possible that additional victims exist, police said.
Anyone who would like to file a report is encouraged to do so by calling the Culpeper E911 Center at 540-727-7900 or emailing tips@culpeperva.gov.
Are you looking for tips on how to make sure your children are safe online? Visit https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/home for tips and resources.
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