X-ray technician at MD Anderson clinic accused of assaulting patient during exam

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An X-ray technician is facing an indecent assault charge for allegedly inappropriately touching a patient during an exam.

According to charging documents, the incident occurred at MD Anderson Cancer Center Mays Clinic on Holcombe Boulevard on March 18. Aaron Keith Payne, 42, is accused of using his position to isolate and assault the victim.

The victim reported that she arrived for her scheduled appointment that morning using her sit-on walker. Payne took her to the exam room for her scan and commented on her blue hair, saying it was his favorite color.

While assisting her onto the table for the scan, Payne allegedly groped the victim’s behind. Initially, she did not think it was intentional.

After the scan, the victim said Payne stood in the doorway of the exam room and grabbed her breast. According to documents, she “laughed it off because she was not physically able to defend herself due to her medical condition.”

Payne eventually returned the patient to the waiting room after she repeatedly told him she needed to get back to her child.

Records allege that Payne continued to assault the victim multiple times and exposed himself.

When questioned, Payne expressed shock at the allegations, claiming he and the victim were friends. He admitted to touching her during the X-ray exam but denied any further misconduct.

Court documents indicate that Payne has been charged with indecent assault but has not been arrested.

Following report, MD Anderson issued the following statement:

“The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to providing a safe and caring environment for our patients. Per our standard practice, the institution began an investigation into this incident as soon as we received notification, and the employee was immediately placed on leave.”