Cardiologist’s alleged sexual assaults prompt lawmakers to introduce new legislation

Michael Walter | February 01, 2024 | Cardiovascular Business | Legal News

While a cardiologist sits in jail for allegedly raping several women he met online, state lawmakers are pointing to his case as evidence that dating apps need to be regulated.

Stephen Matthews allegedly drugged 11 women he met on dating apps, sexually assaulting nine of them. He is currently in a Denver jail being held on a $5 million bond. Back in October, he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and his trial was scheduled to begin on March 4.

Several Colorado lawmakers are now pushing to protect the users of online dating apps with a new bill that would make it easier to report misconduct, according to a new report from CBS News. The bill would also require companies to share information about incidents with the state’s attorneys.

Sen. Faith Winter, the bill’s sponsor, told CBS News that “something clearly has to be done.” She also confirmed that reading about the accusations against Matthews helped inspire her and colleagues to push for this new legislation.

“We want to prevent the same kinds of things from happening,” Winter said.

Click the link below for the full story from Brian Maass, who has been tracking this story for CBS News:

Colorado lawmakers seek to regulate dating apps following cardiologist case: "S…

‘Horrible and atrocious’: Denver cardiologist accused of date rape by multiple women is headed to trial

Cardiologist accused of date rape by 15 women could face life in prison, judge says

Cardiologist accused of date rape by multiple women agrees not to practice medicine during investigation

Cardiologist arrested for sexual assault again, now linked to 10 alleged victims

Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

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