Rehab mogul Christopher Bathum was arrested Nov. 10 on sexual assault charges and insurance fraud and booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. Bathum, the founder of Seasons Malibu and 18 other luxury alcohol and drug rehabiliation facilities in Southern California and Colorado is accused of sexually assaulting more than a dozen female patients. Authorities say Bathum is also responsible for a $176 million insurance scam.
Bathum, 55, was picked up at his home in Agoura Hills. His company’s chief executive, Kirsten Wallace, was arrested as well. The two are accused in an elaborate scam of using patients’ IDs to buy health coverage without their consent or knowledge and then billing insurance companies for treatments that were never given. Bathum has been under investigation for months. Fifteen of his rehab centers were raided.
In addition, Bathum is charged with sexually assaulting female patients at the centers. This is not his first arrest. In June, he was arrested for the transport or sale of a controlled substance.Â
Bathum has been a controversial figure. Recently, a profile on ABC’s “20/20” mentioned dozens of allegations and lawsuits against him. Seasons Malibu has distanced itself from Bathum and earlier issued a statement saying it had cut ties with him.
Sheriff’s officials put out a call for additional information pertaining to the case, including a call for additional victims who wish to come forward.
Anyone with information was encouraged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau at 877.710.5273. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800.222.TIPS (8477), or downloading the P3 Tips mobile app for smart phones.