The Bluffton police department was involved in the recent investigation of Dr. James A. Gideon, M.D., Bluffton rheumatology and internal medicine physician, Ryan Burkholder, police chief, confirmed to the Icon on Monday.

Burkholder said that State Medical Board of Ohio contact the police department shortly after it began the investigation of Dr. Gideon involving sexual misconduct with patients.

CLICK HERE for earlier story.

“It was a team effort,” said Burkholder, concerning the police and medical board. The police investigated the criminal side of the charges and the medical board investigated the licensing.

The State Medical Board of Ohio banned Dr. Gideon him from his Garau Street medical and surgery practice until it holds a hearing on his case. No hearing date has been set.

The suspension follows a June 14 board meeting where members determined that Dr. Gideon had violated a section of the Ohio Administrative Code.

Dr. Gideon’s license suspension came three weeks following three misdemeanor charges of sexual imposition filed against the doctor by the Bluffton police. The charges were filed in Lima Municipal Court. On May 26 Dr. Gideon pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A pre-trial hearing takes place this week in Lima.