A man arrested Monday for assaulting and drugging a female victim, who is also accused of assaulting nine others, met women online, according to his attorney.
Dr. Stephen Matthews, 35, – a cardiologist in the Denver, Colo., area, according to CBS News – is represented by Douglas Cohen.
“The case is about two adults, who, like many folks these days, met online and had consensual sex on their first date,” said the attorney, according to CBS. “Unfortunately, that lifestyle can result in buyer's remorse, jilted lovers and tall tales. But it’s not a crime.”
Police documents cited by CBS News Colorado said Matthews met at least one woman on a dating app called Hinge. After communicating for several weeks, they met for brunch on Jan. 29 and then went to Matthews’ home to spend time in his hot tub. Per the documents, the woman woke up 10 hours later as she was being treated by paramedics at her home.
“She told police she decided to press forward with the criminal investigation after finding out that a family friend had gone on a date with Matthews several years earlier ‘and had a similar experience,’” CBS News reported.
A press release from the Denver District Attorney’s office said that Matthews was charged with three felony counts, including sexual assault – victim helpless, sexual assault – no consent, and sexual assault – victim incapable appraising condition, when he was arrested.
“On April 18, 2023, the Denver Police Department announced that investigators had received subsequent information indicating that there may have been other incidents involving Matthews and asked that anyone who believed that they may have been a victim of Stephen Matthews to call DPD’s Sex Crimes Unit,” said the release. “That request generated calls from the additional nine women.”
In light of this new information, prosecutors have decided to dismiss the original criminal case against Matthews and file a new one alleging 16 felony counts involving a total of 10 female victims.
A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty, the district attorney’s office noted.
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