Last week, the Austin Police Department announced the arrest of two area physical therapists on separate but similar sexual assault cases. The department is urging any other victims of the two men to come forward.
The department put out the call to potential victims of the two men in a press release on Thursday. The press release states that officers arrested 37-year-old Paul Lietz and 50-year-old Manuel Rangel in connection with “two separate sexual assault cases involving their patients.”
According to the press release, Lietz worked in the Mueller area and was accused of sexually assaulting a patient. Rangel worked in the Medical Parkway, and was also accused of sexual assault by a patient.
“Given the sensitive nature of these investigations, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time,” the press release states. “Both cases are open and active investigations.”
The press release continues, “APD detectives urge anyone who may have been a victim of Lietz or Rangel to come forward and contact the APD Sexual Crimes Unit at 512-974-5095 or via email at sex.crimes@austintexas.gov.”
Engaging with APD is voluntary. Anyone impacted by these crimes can contact the department’s Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037 to access services regardless of their decision to participate in an investigation.