Handcuffs

A New Orleans-area physician who practices on the northshore was arrested Wednesday after two of his patients reported that he inappropriately touched them during appointments, according to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.?

Keith Hickey, 63, is accused of touching one woman's breasts and "vaginal area" and making inappropriate comments while she was naked during an appointment, according to the sheriff's office. The woman reported her experience to the sheriff's office in May, and the investigation was turned over to the sheriff's office's special victims unit, authorities said.?

During the investigation, authorities said another woman came forward to report similar treatment. The woman told investigators that, during one appointment, Hickey attempted to lower her pants and put his hands up her shirt.?

Hickey was booked into the St. Tammany Parish jail one count each of sexual battery, attempted sexual battery, battery and simple assault.?

The sheriff's office said the investigation into Hickey is ongoing. Anyone who believes they may have been abused by Hickey is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2341.

Email Kasey Bubnash at kasey.bubnash@theadvocate.com.