Man Offers Free Breast Exams, Finds Some Takers
Doctor Impersonator Charged With Sexual Assault
POSTED: Wednesday, April 19, 2006
UPDATED: 5:10 pm EDT April 19,2006
LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. -- Broward sheriff's deputies have arrested a 76-year-old man they say was going door to door offering women free breast exams.
Investigators said that Philip Winikoff, of Coconut Creek, was targeting women in the 3200 block of Northwest 40th Street and was passing himself off as a doctor. He was carrying a small medical bag with him when he went to the homes, deputies said.
Investigators said the man's wife was a nurse. They have not determined if she is still a nurse at this time. Investigators were also not clear if the bag he was using belonged to her.
The man found at least two Lauderdale Lakes women who took him up on his offer.
One 36-year-old woman said she let Winikoff into her apartment. She after he touched her breasts, he moved his hand to her genitals. She said one she realized that Winikoff was not a real doctor and she called the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Investigators said by that time, Winikoff had already found another victim; a 33-year-old woman who lives in the same complex. That woman told deputies that Winikoff also sexually assaulted her.
Winikoff has been booked into the Broward County Jail. He is charged with sexual assault.
Investigators said that they believe Winikoff has likely victimized other women who may be embarrassed about coming forward. Anyone with information about Winikoff is asked to call Detective Joe Harris of the BSO Sex Crimes Unit at (954) 321-4240.
Watch Local 10 News for more on this developing story.
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