CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A doctor at a local mega health system who is under the microscope for allegations of sexual misconduct recently admitted in text messages that he was doing illegal drugs.
Dr. Gus Barrazueta, M.D., an orthopedics surgeon for Adena Health System in Chillicothe wrote in messages to a hospital vendor that he was courting that he was recently in Las Vegas and “did too many drugs and drank too much.” The text messages — obtained by the Guardian — are just a few in a long string of correspondence between the doctor and a vendor who worked for the hospital.
Barrazueta has come under fire in recent weeks after allegations from several women, including former employees of Adena Health System and patients, have accused him of sexual misconduct.
In February, the Guardian reported that police reports showed a former employee accusing Barrazueta of sending her sexually explicit text messages and grabbing her around the waist without her consent. Later that week another former coworker of the doctor filed a report claiming similar conduct by him. According to the report, the alleged victim claims that Barrazueta repeatedly texted her phone saying, “I would do such dirty things to you,” and asking the female worker if he left his spouse would she be with him? The victim, in the report, told investigators that the final straw was when the doctor reportedly texted her sexually explicit messages regarding things he would like to do to her. The messages were provided to the Guardian by police but are too graphic to publish, however, one said that Barrazueta wished to “lick” the woman’s anus. He reportedly also declined to use the woman’s company for future services after she denied his pass.
The woman stated that the alleged incident occurred in April of last year but she was fearful that she would be harmed if she came forward.
Adena’s public relations team has refused to comment on the allegations, however, deputies continue to field multiple criminal reports against numerous doctors at the hospital. Last week, Adena’s Chief Executive, Jeff Graham, sat down with a Columbus television station and dodged questions about Barrazueta, only calling the situation “sad.”