Orthopedic surgeon Jon Norberg, MD, of Fargo, N.D., faces criminal charges after allegedly injecting his wife with propofol before sexually assaulting her.

Dr. Norberg, who has been charged with gross sexual conduct, appeared in Cass County District Court on Wednesday and is being held on $50,000 bail.

Police records show he repeatedly injected Alonna Norberg, MD, a pediatrician, with propofol to alleviate insomnia and pain resulting from an autoimmune disease. In September 2010, however, she learned of propofol's dangers and asked him to stop administering the drug.

On the night of June 16 or during the early morning hours of June 17 of this year, she partially recalled being pinned down and sexually assaulted by her husband, according to an affidavit filed by Detective Matt Ysteboe of the Fargo Police Department.

She awoke the next morning to find a bottle of propofol and needles next to the bed, the affidavit shows. A search of their home on July 5 turned up syringes, alcohol swabs and 24 bottles of propofol, according to police records.

Jon Norberg is currently on voluntary leave from his place of employment, Fargo-based Sanford Health. Darren Huber, Sanford Health spokesman, says he started working at Sanford on July 14, 2011, after the alleged assault took place. "The complaint does not involve issues or concerns regarding the quality of care provided to patients," says Mr. Huber.

Duane Houdek, JD, executive director of the North Dakota State Board of Medical Examiners, says the board issued a complaint against Jon Norberg on July 26. He has agreed to refrain from administering propofol to anyone until that complaint is resolved, according to Mr. Houdek.

Attorney John Goff says the charges against his client are false and untrue in the context in which they were made. "They are coming out of a very contentious and adversarial divorce and custody fight between Dr. Norberg and his wife," he explains. "She is making these allegations to gain a tactical advantage in family court. When the facts play out in a court of law, he will be exonerated." A spokeswoman for Alonna Norberg did not respond to questions concerning her client's apparent use of a controlled substance and claimed ignorance of Diprivan's generic name and risks.

Daniel Cook