A California judge refused Sexual charges against a Newport Beach surgeon who previously appeared on a reality TV show, and his girlfriend after they were accused of drugging and raping women in a case that drew international attention.
Court records show that charges of sexual assault with intent to commit a sexual offense were dropped Friday against Dr. Grant Robichaux, a surgeon who appeared on the Bravo TV show “The Online Dating Rituals of the American Man,” and his girlfriend, Cerissa Riley.
The decision came after a preliminary hearing before Superior Court Judge Michael Leverson, who determined there was insufficient evidence on the sex charges to proceed to trial, the Orange County Record mentioned.
The couple also faces drug charges and is due to appear in court on July 19. Robicheaux is also charged with possession of an assault weapon. They have previously pleaded not guilty.
A letter seeking comment was left for the state attorney general’s office, which is handling the trial.
A spokesperson for the couple said the couple’s lawyers did not immediately comment on the decision.
The case attracted international attention in 2018 when Robicheaux and Reilly were indicted In relation to up to seven victims who authorities said was drugged and sexually assaulted at the couple’s home in the upscale Newport Beach community when they were unable to resist.
The case was also tied into a contentious political battle between Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and his predecessor Tony Rackaukas, whom Spitzer accused of improperly handling the case and using it to attract publicity.
After winning the election and taking office, Spitzer sought to have the charges against the couple dismissed, saying there was insufficient evidence. The case was referred to the state attorney general’s office, which later reduced the charges for prosecution.
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