The steamroller of public outrage is beginning to build speed in East Hartford against a doctor who is alleged to have sexually assaulted one of his patients. As the man sits incarcerated in connection with the one case, investigators report they are working 24-7 to find other possible victims and cases. They've expanded their probe into Hartford and Windsor.

Instances of sexual assault cannot be taken lightly. When they are discovered and proven, those responsible need to be held responsible. But such action needs to be taken within the confines of the judicial system, which rests on the presumption of innocence and an obligation on the part of the government to prove any allegations of criminal wrongdoing beyond a reasonable doubt. Anyone accused of such crimes must be afforded those rights.

Unfortunately, sometimes in these kinds of cases, the ideals of the system get drowned out by a rising tide of public anger. Sometimes the surge is fed by police and prosecutors in a bid to expand and make their case before it ever gets to trial. And very often the media serve as the uncritical vehicle of that effort.

There seems to be at least a perception of this going on in the case of this doctor in East Hartford. Police have charged the man with sexual assault in the first degree and two counts of assault in the fourth degree. He's also accused of allegedly bribing a witness and unlawful restraint.

Coloring the matter already is the fact that police have gone so public about it. They have told reporters outright that they have no doubt they have the right suspect. Court documents allege that DNA evidence linking the man to the case has been collected, and police say they suspect there are other potential victims. They're inviting them to come forward.

On the other side is the doctor. He has denied the allegations, according to authorities. When he appeared in court recently, there were a number of people there to show their support for him, including some of his patients. They say they don't believe the charges.

He must be given his day in court.

Source: NBCConnecticut.com, "License Suspended for Doctor Charged With Assault," Feb. 3, 2012