Missoula, MT — Tyler Hurst, a former emergency room physician at Community Medical Center, appeared in Missoula District Court Thursday for a status conference regarding multiple sexual assault charges. Hurst, who faces four felony counts of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of sexual assault, is accused of assaulting at least 15 patients while working as a contracted doctor between 2017 and late 2023.
During the hearing, both the prosecution and defense provided updates as they prepare for trial, which is tentatively scheduled for February 2026. Hurst, who previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, is accused of sexually assaulting or raping several women while they were receiving medical care at the hospital’s emergency room. The alleged victims came forward after the assaults, prompting a full investigation into Hurst’s actions.
The case has garnered widespread attention, partly due to the severity of the allegations and the length of time over which they occurred. In addition to the criminal charges, Hurst’s case gained national focus when it was mentioned in a U.S. Senate report earlier this year. The report, which investigated the impact of private equity-backed hospitals on healthcare delivery and patient safety, referenced the alleged assaults at Community Medical Center and highlighted concerns about oversight at hospitals operated by private equity firms.
At Thursday’s hearing, the court discussed the defense’s request for information about potential witnesses and the victims involved in the case. Judge Shane Vannatta approved the defense’s plans to issue subpoenas while agreeing with the prosecution’s request to withhold sensitive information about the accusers, such as their addresses, from Hurst.
For privacy reasons, Hurst appeared at the hearing via Zoom with his camera off. This decision had previously been granted by Judge Vannatta due to the significant media attention surrounding the case. The ruling was made in an effort to protect Hurst’s privacy while ensuring that the court proceedings remain transparent.
The allegations against Hurst have raised broader concerns about patient safety and accountability in emergency care settings, especially in the context of private equity’s involvement in the healthcare industry. As the legal proceedings move forward, many are awaiting further developments in what is expected to be a high-profile trial.
The case is expected to continue to draw attention, with advocates for victims’ rights pushing for justice for the women affected by these alleged assaults.
