Texas jail accuses Army doctor of secretly recording patients

An Army physician is currently being held in a Texas county jail following allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a statement released Thursday by military authorities. Maj. Blaine McGraw was placed in pretrial confinement at Bell County Jail, Texas, on Dec. 2 after reportedly breaching the terms of liberty set by his commanding officer.

The Army clarified that McGraw has not been formally charged with a crime. His confinement will be reviewed within a week by an independent military magistrate, in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to determine whether his detention should continue.

Lawsuit Details Secret Recordings During Patient Exams

A civil lawsuit filed in November alleges that McGraw, who served as an OB-GYN at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, engaged in numerous sexual and professional misconduct incidents. Among the claims, the lawsuit asserts that McGraw secretly recorded video footage during breast and pelvic examinations.

McGraw was suspended on Oct. 17 following a patients report of misconduct, prompting an immediate investigation by the Armys Criminal Investigation Division. Notifications were sent to patients at Fort Hood as well as Tripler Army Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii, where McGraw completed his residency from 2019 to 2023.

Investigation and Congressional Concerns

The Criminal Investigation Division has conducted hundreds of interviews and reviewed more than half a terabyte of digital material. A screening questionnaire has been issued for individuals who may have been affected or have information related to the investigation.

Hawaiis congressional representatives sent a letter to top Defense officials on Dec. 1, urging a thorough investigation into how the military allowed McGraws alleged misconduct to continue over the years.

Victims Lawyer Responds

Andrew Cobos, attorney for the plaintiffs, stated that his clients are relieved by McGraws detention. For the first time since October 17, they feel safe knowing McGraw is in jail. He demonstrated he could not be trusted and disobeyed orders. He should remain confined until he faces trial, Cobos said. His firm now represents 75 clients against McGraw, up from 70 in late November.

Author: Connor Blake