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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Opening statements began Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the trial of Dr. Dung T. Nguyen, a Tucson physician accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 former patients.
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Nguyen faces nearly 40 charges of sexual abuse and sexual assault. According to court documents, the incidents began in January 2000 and occurred over 25 years while Nguyen was practicing as an osteopathic physician.
The allegations against Nguyen include inappropriately touching patients’ breasts and genitalia and engaging in sexual intercourse, according to court documents.
Prosecution outlines case
The state is represented by attorneys Lacee Collins and Tai Summers. Defense attorneys Michael Bloom and Kristie Ortega are representing Dr. Nguyen.
During opening statements, Collins told jurors they will hear from 23 victims, whose trust she said was exploited under the guise of his medical practice.
Collins said Nguyen required breast and other invasive exams when none were needed and told jurors he did not obtain consent before touching patients inappropriately.
The state called two witnesses to the stand who both said Nguyen touched their breasts while being seen for other, unrelated illnesses. One witness told jurors she had recommended Nguyen to her mother prior to that incident, later calling it the “biggest regret of her life” after her mother was also allegedly abused.
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Defense questions witness credibility
Bloom questioned both witnesses’ accounts, suggesting their memory of the incidents was faulty.
In opening statements, the defense told jurors that both witnesses, among many others, came forward years after their alleged abuse and therefore are not credible.
Bloom also pointed to what he called a “media firestorm” that erupted after the Tucson Police Department issued a media release about the allegations against Nguyen in May 2025, claiming the majority of the alleged victims came forward following local coverage of the case.
The defense reminded jurors that the burden of proof is on the state as prosecutors attempt to convince the jury Nguyen should be found guilty on all 38 charges.
The trial is expected to last through Nov. 6.
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