Former Chiropractor Steven Clifford on the Run After Multiple Allegations of Sexual Assault
The FBI say former chiropractor Steven Clifford consumes alcohol everyday, may visit nightclubs and enjoys boating. It's possible he could have strong connections to or even be hiding out in Mexico. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please call or text the IN PURSUIT hotline. John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).
Steven Clifford [FBI]
In 2002, the case against Steven Eugene Clifford unfolded when a patient came forward about a troubling situation that occurred inside his office. The victim, only identified as Kim, had the courage to go to police to say she was touched inappropriately by Clifford inside his practice in Califorina. Kim said she had seen the licensed chiropractor on and off for years and had never had a problem, until one visit in 2001.
Although intially it was Kim's word against Clifford's, police had her call Clifford outlining what had happened over the phone. On a recorded line, according to authorities, Clifford admitted to what Kim recounted and he apologized.
When word got out about Clifford and the assault more victims came forward with their experiences of alleged abuse. The licensed chiropractor, who had a successful business in Carnelian Bay on Lake Tahoe, was not only on law enforcement's radar but he was also under arrest.
After a 17-count indictment was handed down against Clifford, he eventually pleaded "no contest" to three of the felony counts. According to the FBI, Clifford was supposed to appear for a January 2003 sentencing, where he would likely have served at least five years, but he fled and hasn't been seen since.
The FBI say Clifford is wanted for the alleged sexual assaults of 11 victims between a four year period (1998 - 2002). Placer County Sheriff Retired Sgt. David Hunt said Clifford is, "Dr. Steven Clifford is really a Dr. Jeykyll and Mr. Hyde. He would be really really good to some of his patients, but then he would groom others that he could manipulate... and make them his toys and his sexual fantasies."
Hunt added Clifford's victims range in age from 14-50 and they know of at least 20 victims so far, but they are positive there are more who have not come forward.
The FBI say former chiropractor Steven Clifford consumes alcohol everyday, may visit nightclubs and enjoys boating. It's possible he could be hiding out in Mexico. There's a potential sighting of Clifford in 2014 in Mexico City. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please call or text the IN PURSUIT hotline. John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).
HEIGHT: 5 feet 8 inches
WEIGHT: 165 pounds
HAIR: Naturally strawberry blonde / red (could be using hair dye)
EYES: Blue
DOB: November 22, 1953
RACE/SEX: White male
PLACE OF BIRTH: Sacramento, CA
OCCUPATION: Licensed chiropractor, acupuncturist
CONNECTIONS TO: Baja California Peninsula region of Mexico, could have connections or travel to France, Belgium or Canada
FLED: Last seen driving 2002 metallic tan Dodge Extended Cab XL-T truck towing a white fifth wheel camper
CHARACTERISTICS: Has scars on both lower arms and forearms from severe eczema or psoriasis. Known to take prescription lithium. Enjoys boating, camping and riding motorcycles. Known to consume alcohol heavily and could frequent nightclubs, according to FBI. Speaks French as well.
Read more: Tahoe Daily Tribune, FBI