WEST LINN, Ore. — After years of accusations, frustration, and waiting, dozens of Oregon women who said their family doctor sexually abused them are finally seeing him face criminal charges.
David B. Farley, a former family physician and respected member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Linn, surrendered to authorities Friday and was booked into the Clackamas County Jail. The 67-year-old faces nine counts of sexual abuse and two related felony charges, involving three patients — including one under the age of 14 — over an 11-year period.
Appearing via video at his arraignment later that day, Farley pleaded not guilty to all charges as survivors and supporters filled the courtroom gallery, many in tears. A judge set his trial date for December 6.
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A Long Road to Accountability
For years, Farley’s former patients have fought to be heard. More than 160 women and girls — some as young as five — have accused him of sexual misconduct disguised as medical care.
“The relief that ran through my body is indescribable,” one survivor told reporters. “After so many failures from law enforcement, finally something is being done.”
The allegations against Farley date back to 2009, when he ran the West Linn Family Health Center and practiced at Providence and Legacy hospitals in Oregon City and Tualatin. Victims described invasive and unnecessary pelvic exams, ungloved physical contact, and being photographed nude under the guise of “medical education.”
Some patients said Farley performed painful, medically unnecessary procedures such as “hymenectomies”, claiming he was making future sex “more pleasurable.” Many of his patients were members of his church community, who say they trusted him as both a physician and religious elder.
“I thought this was normal,” said Nicole Snow, who began seeing Farley at age 15. “He told me what he was doing was for my health.”
A Case Once Dismissed
Farley’s alleged abuse first came to light in 2020, when multiple women filed complaints with the Oregon Medical Board and West Linn Police Department. The medical board revoked his license that October after finding “credible evidence” of misconduct.
But criminal charges did not follow. The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office presented the case to a grand jury in 2022, but jurors declined to indict him, citing insufficient evidence.
Survivors accused then-District Attorney John Wentworth of mishandling the case, saying he allowed only a handful of victims to testify. Wentworth later defended his actions, saying every “known patient with a credible claim” had been heard.
Many survivors described that period as devastating. “It felt like we were erased,” said Katie Medley, another former patient. “We spoke up, and they turned their backs on us.”
Renewed Effort, New Investigation
In late 2024, amid public outcry and mounting civil litigation, the Clackamas DA’s office asked the Oregon Attorney General’s Office to reopen the criminal investigation. The AG’s team quietly convened a new grand jury, which heard testimony from multiple survivors earlier this year.
Last week, that grand jury indicted Farley on 11 felony counts stemming from alleged abuse between February 2009 and July 2020. The charges include first- and second-degree sexual abuse and unlawful sexual penetration.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield did not comment on the details of the case but said his office remains committed to ensuring justice for survivors.
“When someone in a position of trust uses that power to harm others, it shakes the foundation of our community,” Rayfield said. “We owe it to survivors to follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
Civil Lawsuit and Survivors’ Testimonies
Farley also faces a civil lawsuit filed in 2020 that has since grown to include more than 160 plaintiffs. Many are former patients from his medical practice and members of his church congregation.
Attorney Tom D’Amore, who represents the women in the civil suit, said the criminal indictment validates what his clients have been saying for years.
“When these survivors first came forward, their claims were dismissed instead of properly investigated,” D’Amore said. “Their courage and persistence are nothing short of heroic.”
Victims described lasting trauma and health complications resulting from Farley’s actions. Snow said she developed chronic pain and anxiety that forced her to leave school. Medley said she struggled for years with guilt and disbelief before realizing she wasn’t alone.
“My faith in the justice system was tried over and over,” Medley said. “But my sister survivors and I never stopped speaking out. Now, we’ve finally been vindicated.”
A Respected Figure Turned Accused Predator
Farley’s position within the Latter-day Saints community helped him maintain the trust of patients and parents alike. Several women said they were referred to him through church networks, where he was known as a devout and caring physician.
“He was treated like family,” one former patient said. “That made it harder to question what he did — because everyone told us he was a good man.”
Since surrendering to authorities, Farley has been released on $500,000 bond but must return to Oregon for all court appearances. He currently lives in Nephi, Utah, with his wife and remains active in his local church, according to a longtime acquaintance.
A Community Seeking Closure
The courtroom scenes on Friday marked a moment survivors had waited years to witness. Some cried quietly as the judge read the charges. Others embraced in the hallway afterward, sharing cautious hope that this time, justice will come.
While the criminal trial could take months, survivors say the indictment itself has already changed everything.
“For years, people looked at us like we were making it up,” one woman said. “Now the world knows the truth. And that’s the beginning of healing.”
Farley’s trial is scheduled to begin December 6, 2025, in Clackamas County Circuit Court.
