Dr. Gabriel Perez, who practiced at CentroMed SA Pediatrics, was taken into custody on Friday.
SAN ANTONIO — A longtime San Antonio pediatrician has been fired after his arrest stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted a teenage patient.
Dr. Gabriel Perez, who practiced at CentroMed SA Pediatrics, was taken into custody on Friday. The organization confirmed he was terminated following his arrest and is cooperating with police.
According to the arrest warrant, a now 16-year-old reported that the abuse began when he was 12.
The warrant states Perez asked the child’s mother to leave the room during an exam. He then allegedly told the patient, “If I was in high school, I would date you. Would you date me?” The teen did not report the incident at the time.
During another visit in July 2022, the victim said Perez again had the parent step out. He claims Perez made an inappropriate comment about his private area before sexually assaulting him. The teen recently came forward.
The warrant also states the Texas Medical Board was investigating a complaint from a 17-year-old patient in February 2024. Online records show no disciplinary action has been taken.
Jessica Martinez, whose children have been seen by Perez for nearly 20 years, said she was stunned.
“We loved him… I never met a doctor like him, ever,” Martinez said. “I don’t want to believe he’s this person but at the same time, someone has made an outcry and that can’t be ignored.”
She said she never saw him alone with a patient.
“I was just very confused because I was like, ‘How does this happen?’” she said.
CentroMed said in a statement that it is “deeply disturbed” by Perez’s arrest and “sincerely regrets any distress or harm this alleged incident has caused our patients and their families.”
According to the warrant, Perez corroborated part of the victim’s statement during questioning but denied the assault allegations. He was arrested the same day and released on a $150,000 bond.
The case remains under investigation.