Former Denver cardiologist sentenced to 158 years after drugging, assaulting women
KDVR Fox 31
DENVER (KDVR) — On Friday, former Denver cardiologist Stephen Matthews was sentenced to 158 years after being convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women he met on dating apps.
In August, Matthews was convicted on dozen of charges relating to what the prosecution said were patterns of alleged sexual assaults.
Now, Matthews will serve 158 years in jail with consecutive sentences for each assault.
11 women come forward about being drugged, sexually assaulted
Matthews’ first arrest came in April 2023 after a woman accused him of drugging her on a date after they met on a dating app. Then, multiple other women came forward with similar stories, lending to a trial including accusations from 11 women.
In the trial, the prosecution claimed Matthews generally met these women on dating apps. Once at his house, Matthews gave them a shot or a drink and shortly after, the women suffered large memory gaps. The prosecution said these assaults spanned between 2019 to 2023.
“This guy is one of the most prolific serial rapists in the history of the state of Colorado,” said Former Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey.
The prosecution told jurors they heard from almost 60 witnesses and around 500 pieces of evidence in the trial. Meanwhile, the defense said that these large memory gaps would make it hard to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ultimately, the jury deemed Matthews guilty on all counts except counts 23, 24 and 25 which include assault – sexual assault incapable of appraising nature, sexual assault physically helpless and sexual assault submission against will.