Flagler doctor faces new charges after groping allegations, deputies say

Florence Fruehan accused of inappropriately touching patients

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Palm Coast doctor accused of inappropriately touching patients was arrested Wednesday on new charges related to the accusations that surfaced over the summer, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Florence Fruehan, 59, was initially arrested in September on two counts of battery but in October, those charges were dropped with the expectation that different charges could be filed. Fruehan, who has since relinquished his medical license, is now facing two counts of battery on a person 65 years of age or older.

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Deputies said multiple patients who were treated by Fruehan at Palm Coast Urgent Care claimed Fruehan groped their breasts, but because of the statute of limitations, charges could only be pursued in two cases.

The victims, who happened to be widows, said Fruehan told them, "I'm sorry your husband died," after the unwanted encounters, according to the report.

“Our detectives have not stopped working on this case since it was first reported to us,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “There is still more work to be done, but I am pleased that the State Attorney’s Office has moved forward on these two felony charges. I hope the victims feel that justice is being served.”

Anyone who believes they experienced something inappropriate while in Fruehan's care is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff's Office at 386-313-4911 to file a formal complaint.


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