Austin police seek additional complainants after two physical therapists arrested in separate patient sexual assault cases

What Austin police say happened

Austin police have arrested two physical therapists in connection with separate sexual assault investigations involving their patients, and detectives are now asking other potential complainants to come forward.

The arrests involve Paul Lietz, 37, and Manuel Rangel, 50. Police described both cases as independent incidents, while also noting similarities in the allegations. Both men face sexual assault charges, and both investigations remain open.

Locations and case identifiers released by police

Police said Lietz was employed as a physical therapist in the Mueller area. Rangel worked as a physical therapist in the Medical Parkway area. Investigators provided the following case identifiers: 24-2741313 for the Lietz investigation and 24-2111062 for the Rangel investigation.

Because the investigations are active and involve sensitive allegations, police said additional specifics are not being released at this time.

How police are asking the public to respond

Detectives are urging anyone who may have been victimized by either Lietz or Rangel to contact the Austin Police Department Sexual Crimes Unit at 512-974-5095 or by email at [email protected]. Police emphasized that speaking with detectives is voluntary.

Police also said support is available through the department’s Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037, regardless of whether a person chooses to participate in an investigation.

Why investigators often request additional complainants in these cases

In cases involving alleged misconduct by healthcare providers during treatment, investigators may seek additional complainants to clarify timelines, corroborate patterns of conduct, and identify any other locations or settings connected to the allegations. Police have not alleged a broader conspiracy or connected the two cases beyond describing similarities in the allegations.

What is known and what remains unresolved

• Known: Two arrests have been made, in two separate patient sexual assault investigations.
• Known: Police have identified the suspects by name, age, and general work area.
• Unknown: The number of potential complainants, the precise circumstances alleged, and the status of any court proceedings beyond the charges have not been publicly detailed by police.

Anyone who believes they were victimized is being asked to contact detectives; police said participation is voluntary and support services are available.

The investigations remain ongoing, and additional information is expected to be released if charges expand or cases move forward in court.