LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A judge in California has dismissed the most severe sexual assault charges against Dr Grant Robicheaux, a former Bravo TV star, and his girlfriend, Cerissa Riley. The couple had been accused by the police of drugging and sexually assaulting as many as 13 women.
These incidents allegedly occurred after meeting the victims at high-end locations like Nobu in Orange County and nearby bars. The couple would then persuade the women to accompany them to their residence in Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula area.
Who is Dr Grant Robicheaux?
Dr Grant Robicheaux is a former reality TV personality and surgeon based in California. He gained recognition for his appearances on the reality show 'Online Dating Rituals of the American Male'. Since their arrest in 2018, both Robicheaux, 42, and Riley, 36, have consistently maintained their innocence. Their defense attorneys depicted them as individuals who embrace a swinging lifestyle and enjoy partying, while strongly denying any involvement in non-consensual sexual acts. Robicheaux faced charges related to assaulting five women, while Riley faced charges related to assaulting three women.
Robicheaux had his case addressed by Orange County Superior Court Judge Michael Leversen. On Friday, July 7, Judge Leversen made the decision not to proceed with the trial, citing the accusers as "incompetent" and highlighting inconsistencies in their statements over the years. The judge also mentioned that the victims declined medical examinations following the alleged encounters, per Daily Mail.
Robicheaux and his GF are still facing multiple charges
According to the Orange County Register, the accused couple, who appeared in court together, embraced each other upon hearing the decision, while Riley reportedly sobbed. However, both still face charges related to allegedly drugging a woman's drink with GHB. Additionally, the doctor is also facing charges regarding the possession of assault weapons and cocaine.
During the court proceedings, defense attorney Philip Cohen expressed to the judge that the accusations leveled against Robicheaux were profoundly distressing. Cohen further argued that prosecutors have a responsibility to refrain from pursuing a criminal case if there exists a reasonable doubt, and he found it alarming that they intended to continue with the charges. Cohen brought up the timeline of one accuser, highlighting that it took her 20 months before making her allegation, suggesting potential credibility concerns. Additionally, the lawyer presented evidence indicating that another accuser, who claimed to have taken photos of bruises the day after encountering Robicheaux and his girlfriend, actually captured those pictures a month later, raising doubts about the accuracy of her claims.
