California surgeon charged with sexually assaulting 5 additional victims; girlfriend connected to 3 assaults

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- (KTLA) -- An Orange County surgeon has been charged with sexually assaulting five additional women, while his girlfriend is charged in connection with three of the assaults, officials announced Wednesday. Authorities also amended two previous sexual assault charges to include kidnapping.

The pair, Grant William Robicheaux, 38, and Cerissa Laura Riley, 31, of Newport Beach, pleaded not guilty to their numerous charges, including two they were previously facing.

Robicheaux now faces three counts of kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offense; four counts of rape by use of drugs; two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual offense; forcible rape; oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance; four counts of possession of a controlled substance for sale and two counts of possession of an assault weapon.

Riley, meanwhile, now faces three counts of of kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offense; three counts of rape by use of drugs; two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual offense; oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance and four counts of possession of a controlled substance for sale, according to the the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

“We believe if the defendants met the victims in a public place, drugged them while in that public place, and relocated them back to their home after their victims were rendered incapable of consent, with the intent to sexually assault their prey – that's kidnapping,” Orange County DA Tony Rackauckas said in a news release Wednesday, referring to the amended charges.

The DA had previously said the couple used their charm and good looks to lure women and make them feel comfortable. Robicheaux, an orthopedic surgeon, appeared on the Bravo reality TV show “Online Dating Rituals of the American Male" and was named “Orange County's Most Eligible Bachelor” by Orange Coast Magazine in 2013.

After entering a courthouse in Newport Beach flanked by an attorney and a bodyguard, the couple pleaded not guilty to all the charges. They are free after posting $1 million bail.

They had previously denied the allegations. Riley's sister described her as being a "loving and kind person." She said she has a special bond with her sister and called Riley her best friend.

The incidents that Robicheaux and Riley were originally charged with allegedly occurred in April and October 2016, but the new charges date back to September 2009.

In the news release, authorities described the allegations related to the five new victims, who came forward after a call to the public.

Orange County District Attorney officials said they have received more than 50 credible leads about potential victims, and more than a dozen women and one man have come forward with allegations against the couple. The couple are also known to visit various music festivals in different states, and authorities continue to call on additional victims to come forward.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or has information about Robicheaux and Riley can call OCDA Supervising Investigator Eric Wiseman at (714) 347-8794.

Robicheaux faces 82 years to life in prison if convicted as charged, while Riley would face 63 years to life in prison.