Turlock ultrasound technician arrested after woman reports sexual assault
A 45-year-old ultrasound technician was arrested last week after a woman reported he sexually assaulted her during a medical appointment earlier this year, the Turlock Police Department said Tuesday.
Gerald Eugene Pinatacan was taken into custody Nov. 19 on suspicion of sexual penetration with a foreign object and sexual battery for the purpose of sexual arousal. Police said the arrest stems from a Nov. 5 report from a woman who told officers she was assaulted during a February appointment at a medical office in the 1500 block of Colorado Avenue.
According to police, the woman said the technician performed actions that were not part of the procedure she was scheduled to receive and made statements leading her to believe the conduct was medically required. She also reported additional concerning behavior by the same technician during a March follow-up appointment.
Detectives later determined Pinatacan had been arrested previously by Turlock police earlier this year in a separate case involving similar allegations. After reviewing the woman’s statement and supporting documents, investigators obtained a warrant and arrested him without incident at the Stanislaus County Courthouse following a separate hearing.
The medical office where the incidents occurred told police that Pinatacan is no longer employed there.
“This is an extremely troubling case,” Police Chief Jason Hedden said in Tuesday’s news release. “When someone seeks medical care, they place complete trust in the professionals who are there to help them. That trust was violated. Our department is committed to holding individuals accountable when they abuse positions of authority and cause harm.”
Police are asking anyone who previously received ultrasound services from Pinatacan and believes they experienced inappropriate or concerning conduct to contact Detective Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may leave a tip with Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636 or 866-602-7463, submit one online at www.stancrimetips.org or text “StanCS” to 738447.
This story was originally published November 25, 2025 at 10:49 AM.
