In a shocking turn of events, a Cedar Falls physician’s assistant has found himself on the wrong side of the law, accused of engaging in inappropriate conduct during medical examinations. James Haag, a 59-year-old Occupational Medicine specialist and Physician Assistant at MercyOne Bluebell Road Occupational Health, now faces a slew of serious charges following an investigation by Cedar Falls Police.
An Unsettling Discovery
The troubling series of events began on July 10, 2024, when Cedar Falls Police responded to a report of sexual assault during a medical examination. What they uncovered was deeply disturbing – multiple victims came forward, alleging that Haag had engaged in inappropriate and unwanted physical contact during their examinations. The authorities swiftly launched an investigation into these claims, leading to Haag’s eventual arrest on January 30, 2025.
The charges against Haag paint a grim picture of his alleged actions. He now faces two counts of Sexual Assault 3rd Degree – C Felonies, two counts of Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Assault – Aggravated Misdemeanors, and three counts of Assault – Serious Misdemeanors. The gravity of these charges underscores the severity of the allegations levied against him.
A Violation of Trust and Boundaries
As details of the case emerged, it became clear that Haag’s alleged misconduct extended beyond a single incident. Multiple victims reported similar experiences of inappropriate contact, revealing a pattern of behavior that had gone unchecked for far too long. The brazen nature of his actions, which included removing patients’ robes without a nurse or observer present, making physical contact with their genitals, and inappropriately touching their breasts, paints a troubling picture of a medical professional abusing his position of trust and authority.
The repercussions of Haag’s alleged actions have been swift and severe. The Iowa Board of Physician Assistants moved to indefinitely suspend his license, effectively putting an end to his career in medicine. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the Black Hawk County Attorney’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Iowa Board of Inspections and Appeals highlights the seriousness with which these allegations have been taken.
As the community grapples with the shock and disbelief of these revelations, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in healthcare settings. Patients place an immense amount of trust in their healthcare providers, expecting to be treated with the utmost professionalism and respect. Cases like these serve as a sobering reminder of the potential for that trust to be violated, and the need for robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from such abuses.
The road to healing and justice for the victims of Haag’s alleged misconduct will be a long and arduous one, marked by legal proceedings and emotional turmoil. But in the midst of this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope – the courage and resilience of those who have come forward to share their stories, shining a light on a dark corner of the medical profession that must be exposed and addressed.
