VENTURA, Calif. — An Oxnard chiropractor has been sentenced to six years in state prison for committing sexual battery against female patients who sought his care for medical treatment and physical rehabilitation, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced Friday.
Fernando Juarez Gomez Jr. (DOB: 12/09/1980) was formally sentenced in Ventura County Superior Court following a multi-week jury trial that concluded on June 24, 2026.
A Ventura County jury convicted Gomez of five felony counts of sexual battery under California Penal Code Section 243.4(c), involving four distinct female victims. Furthermore, the court found true an aggravating sentencing factor under California Rules of Court 4.421(a)(11), determining that Gomez intentionally took advantage of a position of trust and confidence while committing the offenses. Gomez also pleaded guilty to an additional misdemeanor count of battery involving a fifth victim.
Abuse of Professional Authority at Ventura Clinic
Gomez operated Limitless Functional Therapy, a now-defunct chiropractic practice located in Ventura. According to trial testimony, the illegal acts occurred repeatedly between 2022 and 2024 inside private treatment rooms at his business.
Investigators revealed that Gomez targeted female patients who sought professional treatment for physical injuries, chronic muscle pain, or athletic conditioning. Under the guise of providing legitimate therapeutic care and physical adjustments, Gomez inappropriately touched intimate areas of his patients' bodies that were completely unrelated to valid chiropractic practices.
The criminal case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore, a specialized prosecutor assigned to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit.
"The defendant told these young women that his methods would eliminate their pain and help them achieve their athletic goals," Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore stated following the sentencing hearing. "Instead, he touched the most intimate parts of their bodies for his own sexual gratification under the guise of therapeutic treatment. The jury’s verdict and today’s sentence send a clear message that his behavior was unacceptable."
Investigation and Subsequent Victim Outreach
The law enforcement inquiry began in early 2024 when two female patients independently reported to police that they had been subjected to sexual battery during routine chiropractic sessions at the Limitless Functional Therapy clinic.
Detectives with the Ventura Police Department launched a targeted investigation into Gomez’s practice and subsequently arrested him on March 21, 2024, at his Ventura business. Following public announcements regarding his initial arrest, additional former patients contacted investigators to disclose similar instances of improper touching and professional misconduct.
When healthcare professionals utilize their professional credentials and clinical environment to exploit vulnerable patients, the impact extends far beyond physical violations to shatter fundamental community trust.
Chiropractors, physical therapists, and medical practitioners are held to strict legal, ethical, and professional standards that govern patient contact during clinical care. In California, a felony conviction for sexual battery committed under the color of medical authority triggers mandatory state prison time alongside permanent administrative license revocation proceedings by the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Public safety agencies emphasize that victims of medical or professional abuse should feel empowered to report incidents immediately to local law enforcement, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable through the criminal justice system.
Following Friday's court proceedings, Gomez was remanded directly into state custody to begin serving his six-year prison sentence.
Members of the public and media seeking additional details regarding the prosecution or official court records can contact District Attorney Communications Manager Joey Buttitta at (805) 767-3400 or via email at Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov.
Along with other crime and news release, more official news releases can also be reviewed on the Ventura County District Attorney's Office news portal.