Former Denver cardiologist sentenced to 158 years in prison for drugging and assaulting women

DENVER (KDVR) — On Friday, former Denver cardiologist Stephen Matthews was sentenced to 158 years in prison. Found guilty of drug use and sexual assault Multiple women he met on dating apps.

“It was methodical. This wasn’t about consent. This wasn’t about sex. It was about control. “During sentencing, he used his position and former title as a doctor to abuse my trust and the trust of others,” one of the victims said.

Matthews in August convicted on dozens of charges There were patterns of alleged sexual assault that were relevant to what the prosecution said.

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Matthews will now serve 158 years in prison, with a consecutive sentence for each attack.

11 women claimed they were drugged and sexually assaulted

Matthews’ first arrest occurred in April 2023. A woman accused him of drugging her on a date after meeting on a dating app. Multiple other women later came forward with similar stories, contributing to a lawsuit that included accusations from 11 women.

At the hearing, the prosecution claimed Matthews often met these women on dating apps. When they arrived at her home, Matthews gave them a shot or a drink, and soon the women had major memory lapses. The prosecutor’s office said that these attacks took place between 2019 and 2023.

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“This man is one of the most prolific serial rapists in the history of the state of Colorado,” former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said.

The prosecution told jurors that approximately 60 witnesses and approximately 500 pieces of evidence were heard at the trial. The defense, meanwhile, said those major memory gaps would make it difficult to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ultimately, the jury found Matthews guilty of all counts except counts 23, 24 and 25, which included assault: sexual assault by incapacity to appreciate, sexual assault by physically helpless, and sexual assault against will.

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