PHOENIX - A Phoenix-area doctor accused of child molestation was caught in Florida in early July attempting to flee the country.
Dr. Rafael Mendoza was arrested and brought back to Arizona in late July, where he was taken into custody at Sky Harbor Airport, according to documents obtained by 12 News from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
Customs and Border Protection arrested Mendoza after discovering he was wanted on four counts of sexual conduct with a minor, child molestation and six counts of aggravated assault.
The charges stem from a May 2014 incident when the victim -- who is identified in the reports as a female under 15 years old -- alleges Mendoza kissed her on the mouth and touched her inappropriately on her body, including her private parts.
Mendoza was indicted for the charges by the Maricopa County Superior Court on June 6.
The doctor’s license was suspected by the Arizona Medical Board last week after Mendoza informed the board of his indictment. Mendoza practiced obstetrics and gynecology at Adelante Healthcare in Surprise.
A spokesperson told 12 News Mendoza is no longer employed there and declined to give any other information.
Mendoza is due back in court in September.