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Portland Podiatrist Convicted of Sexually Abusing Patients
Brian M. Bowen, a Portland-area podiatrist and the founder of Eastside Foot & Ankle on Northeast 44th Avenue, was convicted of sexually abusing patients during podiatry exams. After a jury found him guilty of first-degree sexual abuse, Bowen pleaded guilty to 12 more counts – including sexual abuse by fraudulent representation – and in September 2026 he was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison. In all, 13 women reported that he abused them during treatment. He is now a former podiatrist, must register as a sex offender, and faces post-prison supervision.
How the Case Unfolded
The Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit began investigating in September 2022, after a woman reported that Bowen fondled her during a podiatry exam at Eastside Foot & Ankle. As detectives asked other patients to come forward, more survivors did. A Multnomah County grand jury indicted Bowen in December 2023, and the number of women who reported abuse eventually grew to 13.
Bowen was convicted at trial of first-degree sexual abuse and then entered guilty pleas to 12 additional counts, which included multiple counts of third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse by fraudulent representation. The Oregon Medical Board also acted on his license, and he no longer practices.
What Is “Sexual Abuse by Fraudulent Representation”?
Two of Bowen’s convictions were for a relatively new Oregon crime. Created by Senate Bill 974 (2023) and codified at ORS 163.429, sexual abuse by fraudulent representation makes it a crime for a licensed professional to knowingly subject a person to sexual contact while falsely representing that the contact serves a legitimate medical purpose. It is a Class B felony (punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000), and prosecutors generally may bring a charge within six years after the victim knew or reasonably should have known the conduct was criminal. The law closed a gap that had made it hard to prosecute providers who abused patients under the guise of care.
Victims Have Rights Beyond the Criminal Case
A criminal conviction punishes the offender, but it does not compensate the people who were harmed. In Oregon, survivors of abuse by a medical provider can pursue a separate civil claim for the physical, emotional, and financial harm they suffered – potentially against the provider and, in some situations, the clinic that employed or oversaw them. Civil deadlines depend on the specific facts, so it is important to talk with a lawyer promptly. If you were harmed by a provider, our Portland sexual abuse attorneys and medical malpractice team can explain your options confidentially and at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
A jury convicted him of first-degree sexual abuse, and he then pleaded guilty to 12 additional counts, including sexual abuse by fraudulent representation, for abusing patients during podiatry exams. Thirteen women reported abuse.
He was sentenced in September 2026 to 8 years and 4 months in prison, and he must register as a sex offender and serve post-prison supervision.
Under ORS 163.429, created by Senate Bill 974 in 2023, it is a Class B felony for a licensed professional to knowingly subject a patient to sexual contact while falsely claiming it serves a legitimate medical purpose.
Yes. A criminal case is separate from a civil claim, so survivors can seek compensation from the provider and sometimes the clinic. Deadlines vary by the facts, so speak with a lawyer promptly.
It depends on the circumstances. Oregon gives survivors of child sexual abuse extended time under ORS 12.117, and other deadlines apply to adult survivors, so the safest step is to consult an attorney about your specific situation.
If you or someone you love was harmed by a doctor or other medical provider, contact Goldberg & Loren for a free, confidential consultation. Call (971) 339-8080 or request a consultation online.
Sources
[1] Multnomah County District Attorney — Portland-area podiatrist who sexually abused patients sentenced to 8+ years. mcda.us
[2] KGW — Portland podiatrist Brian Bowen sentenced for sexual abuse of patients. kgw.com
[3] KPTV — Portland foot doctor pleads guilty to 12 sex abuse charges involving patients. kptv.com
[4] Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.429 (SB 974, 2023) — Sexual abuse by fraudulent representation. oregonlegislature.gov
This article summarizes public records and news reports and is general information, not legal advice. Last updated September 2026.
