NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. – Sex charges against Dr. Grant Robicheaux, a reality TV show doctor who appeared on “Online Dating Rituals of the American Male,” and his girlfriend Cerissa Riley have been dismissed by a California judge. The charges of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense were dropped after a preliminary hearing where Superior Court Judge Michael Leversen determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Although the sex charges have been dismissed, the couple still faces drug charges and is scheduled to appear in court on July 19. Dr. Robicheaux also faces a charge of possession of an assault weapon. Both defendants had previously pleaded not guilty.
The state attorney general’s office, responsible for prosecuting the case, is currently reviewing the decision. The attorneys for Robicheaux and Riley did not immediately comment on the dismissal.
The case gained international attention in 2018 when the couple was charged with allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting multiple victims in their Newport Beach home. The victims were said to have been rendered unable to resist during the incidents.
The case became embroiled in a political battle between Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and his predecessor Tony Rackauckas. Spitzer accused Rackauckas of mishandling the case for publicity purposes. After winning the election and assuming office, Spitzer sought to dismiss the charges against Robicheaux and Riley, citing insufficient evidence. The case was subsequently transferred to the state attorney general’s office, which proceeded with reduced charges for prosecution.