01/23/2022: to be released from probation early

In Jan. 2020, VA doctor, Edgar Manzanera was stripped of his California medical license, sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to register as a sex offender after he pled guilty to sexually assaulting five female Veterans during V.A. disability rating examinations at QTC locations in Oceanside and Temecula.

The five victims were all assured by the District Attorney’s Office that Manzanera would be a publicly registered ‘dot-on-the-map’ sex offender.

Instead Manzanera scored “Secret” Sex Offender status where he is registered, but only law enforcement who look it up can see his status.

When his victims tried to get answers, the San Diego District Attorney’s (DA) Office told them it was up to California Department of Justice (DOJ) who administers the Megan’s Law website that maintains the public registry of sex offenders.  However, when they contacted officials at the Department of Justice, they were referred back to the San Diego DA’s Office.

“We agreed to forgo the trial because it would be harder for him to go to another state or another country and get his license again and abuse more women, if any internet search would show his sex offender status,” said one of his victims, known as Jane Doe number 4, to protect her privacy. 

Although it is not common knowledge, doctors who lose their license in one state can still obtain a license in another state or country. Because states individually keep track of licensing physicians and there is no central database to track licensure and convictions of physicians in all 50 states, doctors who lose their licenses for criminal offences can and in many cases do get licensed in other states and perpetuate their abuse. 

“This man is a danger to the public,” she added.  “He is a predator and I believe he has many other victims out there.”

In fact, sentencing was delayed after he petitioned the court to serve his probation unsupervised in Guatemala where he received his medical degree. Although his request was denied, once his probation is over, Manzanera will be free to leave California and seek his medical license in another state or country and continue to sexually assault patients.   

By giving Manzanera “Secret” Sex Offender status and not allowing future patients to see his sex offender status, the DOJ is doing the community a disservice as well as sending the message that the government will help hide your sex crimes if your victims are female Veterans.

As always, it’s left to the sisterhood to take care of itself.  If Manzanera or any other doctor sexually assaults you, report it.  No matter how long ago it happened.  We must hold these predators accountable.  The more crimes Manzanera is held accountable for, the longer he will be kept from future victims.

Veteran Sisters understands that speaking up can be scary.  But you are not alone.  There is a legion of us who have walked in your boots and are willing to stand beside you and support you while you speak up to ensure future generations may serve our country without fear of being raped, assaulted or harassed in the service or after.