A Miami-based doctor has been arrested after police alleged he sexually assaulted a patient while she was sedated during a cosmetic procedure, according to reporting by CBS Miami.
Dr. Ronald Demeo, 63, was taken into custody on Wednesday and faces three counts of sexual battery on a physically helpless victim, authorities said.
The alleged assault took place in October 2025 during a follow-up appointment with a 29-year-old female patient.
The victim told police she had inhaled a sedative and taken prescribed medication to manage pain before the procedure. While under the effects of sedation, she recalled disturbing moments that followed.
She reported that Demeo closed the blinds in the room and that she felt as though she was “pushed down.” When she opened her eyes, she alleged that the doctor was on top of her and sexually abusing her.
“The victim stated she did not have the strength to speak or fight back and just closed her eyes, wanting the assault to end,” the arrest report noted, as cited by CBS Miami.
She also told investigators that she had never consented to any sexual activity with Demeo and had never discussed or expressed interest in such behavior.
Days after the alleged incident, the woman reportedly discovered a video on her phone that captured the encounter.
Michael Vega, public information officer for the Miami Police Department, told CBS Miami that the footage played a critical role in the case.
“If it wasn't for that video, which shows graphically everything that happened and shows in detail what this doctor did to her, it would've been one of those cases where she says, ‘hey I think that this happened but I'm not sure,’” Vega said.
He emphasized that the video served as key evidence confirming the victim’s account.
During a bond court appearance on Thursday, Demeo’s defense attorney disputed the allegations, claiming there is “overwhelming evidence” that the encounter was consensual.
The defense further alleged that the victim, through her legal counsel, had demanded $10 million from Demeo. According to the attorney, the complaint was filed only after he refused to pay.
Miami police believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone who may have had similar experiences with the doctor to report them.
“The same way it happened to her, we believe that it could’ve happened to anyone,” Vega said in a statement to CBS Miami. “If anybody has gone to this doctor and feels that they were a victim of something similar, please contact the Miami Police Department.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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