Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested NR16385dm

Reseda: Detectives from the Los
Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Sex Crimes Unit arrested
Dr. Michael Howard Popkin. He was charged with one count of Sexual
Exploitation of a Patient and three counts of Sexual Battery.

Dr. Popkin is a medical doctor and surgeon who operates a medical
practice in the Encino area. He has been licensed to practice
medicine in the state of California since 1977. Dr. Popkin is
accused of sexually assaulting multiple female patients in his
office during medical examinations. The allegations of sexual
assault span from 2001 all the way to 2016.

Based on Dr. Popkin’s long career as a medical doctor and the
multiple allegations of sexual assault by several different female
patients, it is believed that there may be other unreported
victims. “I recognize the difficulty for many sex crimes victims
reluctant to report what happened to them, especially if the
perpetrator is in a position of trust, like a doctor, and a
respected member of the community,” stated Detective Ninette
Toosbuy, Officer-in-Charge of the West Valley Sex Crimes
Unit.

Two of Dr. Popkin’s victims will be available for interviews with
the media. They would like to bring greater awareness to sexual
assault committed by professionals during the scope of their
duties. They also want to encourage other victims of sexual assault
by Dr. Popkin to come forward and report the criminal act. “It is
our hope to identify any other victims who have been sexually
assaulted by Dr. Popkin,” added Detective Toosbuy.

Michael Howard Popkin

All media interested in an interview, and anyone with information
related to this crime is urged to call Detective Moreno, West
Valley Sex Crimes Unit, at (818) 374-7714 or Detective Toosbuy,
West Valley Sex Crimes Unit, at (818) 374-7718. During
non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain
anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to
www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit
www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the
“Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.
Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application
and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local
program.