Retired Spotsylvania Doctor Accused Of Sexual Assault Dies 1 Week After Arrest

Originally, this article incorrectly stated that O'Brien died in police custody. This was incorrect. The Rappahannock Regional Jail said that O'Brien was released on Monday. We've updated the article with the latest accurate information from Virginia State Police, the Rappahannock Regional Jail, and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A retired doctor from the Fredericksburg area died on Thursday. Virginia State Police arrested the doctor, Michael O'Brien, last week after he was accused of sexual assault.

O'Brien was originally held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail in Stafford County after his arrest. The jail said they released O'Brien at 3:44 p.m. on Monday.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said O'Brien's death occurred in the 34000 block of Welbourne Road in Middleburg.

Want to keep up with the latest news around Fredericksburg? Subscribe to Fredericksburg Patch to have the biggest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Authorities said they do not suspect foul play in connection with O'Brien's death. They also noted that his death "appears to be self-inflicted."

Authorities took O'Brien's body to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Manassas for an autopsy.

Read more: Sexual Assault Charge Filed Against Orthopedic Specialist: Police

O'Brien was charged with one count of forcible sodomy. State police officials claimed that O'Brien sexually assaulted someone while he worked as an orthopedic surgery specialist in the Fredericksburg area.

At the time of O'Brien's arrest, investigators believed there may be more victims.

Anyone with more information about O'Brien and the reported sexual assaults can contact state police at 1-888-300-0156- or questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.

If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255. Immediate help is also available in an emergency by dialing 9-1-1.