Former UCLA Gynecologist James Heaps Admits Guilt in 13 Sex Crimes and Heads Back to Prison

Former UCLA Gynecologist Pleads Guilty to Sexual Misconduct

Los Angeles — James Mason Heaps, a former gynecologist at UCLA, has pled guilty to 13 felony counts of sexual misconduct involving five former patients. The 69-year-old’s plea was entered on Tuesday, resulting in an immediate sentence of 11 years in state prison. This marks a significant development in a legal saga that has spanned several years.

Heaps acknowledged multiple charges, including sexual battery and sexual penetration of an unconscious person. This latest plea follows the overturning of his previous conviction in February, which occurred due to a trial judge’s failure to disclose a jury note regarding a juror’s proficiency in English.

Despite the reversal, Heaps accepted a plea deal that mirrored his original sentence. The resolution concludes an ongoing series of civil lawsuits and settlements—totaling nearly $700 million—reached by the University of California with hundreds of affected former patients.

Heaps, who practiced for almost 35 years and was once the highest-paid physician within the UC system, relinquished his medical license in March 2023.

Timeline of Events:

• 2019: Heaps is first charged and ordered to stop practicing medicine.
• May 2021: He is indicted on charges related to seven female patients.
• February-May 2022: UCLA agrees to multiple settlements totaling close to $700 million with numerous former patients.
• October 2022: A jury convicts Heaps on five counts but is deadlocked on others.
• April 2023: Judge Michael Carter sentences Heaps to 11 years in prison.
• February 2026: An appeals court overturns the conviction, leading to a retrial order.
• Today: Heaps pleads guilty to 13 counts and is returned to prison for an 11-year term.

Judge Michael Carter previously described Heaps’ professional reputation as an "aggravating factor" in his crimes, noting that his standing allowed him to exploit the vulnerable positions of his victims.

Attorney John Manly, who represents over 200 survivors in civil claims, criticized the previous appellate reversal as indicative of flaws within California’s criminal justice system. Meanwhile, UCLA has characterized Heaps’ actions as "reprehensible and contrary to our values."

With the criminal proceedings now settled, Heaps will continue his 11-year sentence. Although most civil claims against him and UCLA have been resolved, ongoing legal scrutiny will monitor UCLA’s commitment to implement reforms for medical oversight in a bid to rebuild public trust.