Indianapolis, IN – Wagner Reese, an Indiana personal injury law firm, weighs in on the case of an Avon Christian chiropractor accused of sexually assaulting his patients. The firm is committed to representing victims in personal injury matters, including sexual assault, to secure justice on their behalf. The criminal charges faced by the assailant have also led to a civil lawsuit in this ongoing case.
The Case of Sexual Assault by a Christian Chiropractor
Roc Byrd, age 61, a chiropractor at Cornerstone Chiropractic in Avon, gained the trust of his victims by claiming to be a Christian. Prior to the sessions involving the victims, he would pray with them, giving them reason to trust him.
Now Byrd is facing a long list of criminal charges that include one count of rape, five counts of sexual battery as a Level 6 felony, and four counts of battery at a misdemeanor level. The crimes began in November 2022. After his arrest in September 2024, more former patients came forward with similar accusations.
These victims provided details of being touched inappropriately; eight in total have spoken out. During the time that Byrd was first facing charges, he continued to take advantage of his female patients. Byrd agreed to a plea deal and has a sentencing hearing set for April 24, 2025. In addition to the criminal charges, Byrd and Cornerstone Chiropractic are facing a civil lawsuit brought by one of his victims.
What Sexual Assault Attorneys Are Doing to Help Victims
Sexual assault cases can involve violent actions, though in many instances, such as the case involving Byrd, they are committed by securing trust and then breaching that trust. The case at hand is one of many that reveal the importance of legal representation for victims. Wagner Reese provides legal support to sexual abuse victims, who are entitled to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit for physical, mental, emotional, and financial harm suffered as a result of these actions.
Victims often remain silent because they are ashamed of what happened. The female patients who were sexually assaulted by Byrd struggled to come forward. As one victim stated to Fox News, “It was so gradual… I feel so stupid now.”
Attorney Jason Reese of Wagner Reese explained, “We understand just how devastating and life-altering an event like this can be for victims. While the justice system will deal with criminal proceedings, we are here to advocate for victims of sexual assault as a way of helping them move forward and receive compensation for the harm they have endured.”
Sexual Assault and the Harms Caused
Sexual assault is classified as forcible rape and penetration, inappropriate touching, or sexual contact when a victim is incapacitated due to substances such as alcohol or drugs. A number of these cases involve an assailant that the victim knows and trusts. Educators, members of the clergy, coaches, and medical professionals, such as the Avon chiropractor, gain access to their victims by being in a position of high regard or trust.
Byrd used his religion as a way to connect to his patients, gaining their trust while they were vulnerable as he was attending to their medical needs. Sexual assaults can cause physical injuries that require medical treatment. Victims also suffer from emotional and mental harm that has far-reaching consequences over the course of their lifetimes.
Survivors often develop depression, anxiety, fear, distrust of others, and have a difficult time socially connecting with others. The criminal justice system punishes the defendant for these actions, while filing a civil lawsuit provides a way for victims to recover financial losses for the harm caused to them.
Legal Advice for Sexual Assault Victims
The attorneys at Wagner Reese advise victims of sexual assault to report the incident to the police. It is recommended to take this action promptly due to the statute of limitations in the state, which allow up to five years to pursue this action.
Victims should also visit the emergency room or an urgent care center, particularly if they have physical injuries that need treatment. If the condition of their injuries is unknown, it is still a necessary step in obtaining evidence of the assault.
Consulting a lawyer who represents victims in sexual assault cases allows victims to have a legal advocate who can hold the abuser and the institution they are affiliated with responsible. Currently, Byrd and the office he was employed with, Cornerstone Chiropractic, are facing a lawsuit brought by one of the victims. It remains to be seen whether any of the other victims will take similar legal actions.
About Wagner Reese
Wagner Reese is an Indiana personal injury law firm that has been representing victims in the pursuit of justice and fair recovery since 1997. The attorneys at Wagner Reese have achieved several multi-million dollar verdicts and are recognized with honors by Super Lawyers®, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The Best Lawyers in America©, and U.S. News & World Report.
Attorneys Steven M. Wagner and Jason R. Reese are both co-founders and partners of the firm. There are six office locations, with five of them in Indiana and one in Illinois. Victims of personal injury matters, including sexual assault, can visit these offices for a free consultation with an attorney.
The locations include the Carmel office at 11939 N. Meridian St., Carmel, IN 46032; the Indianapolis office at 201 N. Illinois St., 16th Floor, Indianapolis, IN 46204; the Fort Wayne office at 111 W. Berry Street, Suite 211, Fort Wayne, IN 46802; the West Lafayette office at 101 Foundry Dr., Suite 1200-14, West Lafayette, IN 47906, the Champaign, IL office at 701 Devonshire Dr., Suite C17, Champaign, IL 61820; and the Evansville office at 815 John St., Suite 110, Evansville, IN 47713.
Victims of sexual assault can call (866) 991-4892 or visit the Wagner Reese website to schedule an appointment.
Contact:
Wagner Reese
201 N Illinois St 16th Floor, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 934-7990
