Austin Police Department Arrests Two Physical Therapists Following Separate Sexual Assault Allegations Involving Patients

Austin police arrest Paul Lietz and Manuel Rangel in separate sexual assault cases. Detectives seek additional victims from Mueller and Medical Parkway practices.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 5:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Patch

The Apprehension of Local Medical Professionals

The Austin Police Department announced a significant development in two parallel criminal investigations last week, resulting in the arrest of two licensed physical therapists. Paul Lietz, 37, and Manuel Rangel, 50, were taken into custody following separate reports of sexual assault made by their respective patients. According to a formal press release issued on March 12, 2026, the Sexual Crimes Unit had been monitoring the activities of both men after receiving initial complaints. While the arrests occurred within the same timeframe, detectives clarified that the cases are independent of one another and involve different medical facilities within the city.

Geographic Scope of the Alleged Misconduct

The investigations center on two distinct areas of Austin's medical community. Paul Lietz was identified as practicing in the Mueller neighborhood, a vibrant mixed use district, where the alleged assault against a patient occurred. Simultaneously, Manuel Rangel operated his practice in the Medical Parkway area, a central hub for healthcare services in the city. By identifying these specific locations, law enforcement officials hope to assist former patients in recognizing if they may have interacted with the suspects during the periods when the alleged criminal behavior took place.

A Call for Public Cooperation and Potential Victims

Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, the Austin Police Department has withheld specific forensic details to protect the integrity of the active investigations. However, detectives believe there may be more individuals who were subjected to similar misconduct during physical therapy sessions. The department has issued an urgent public appeal, asking anyone who received treatment from Lietz or Rangel and experienced inappropriate contact to contact the Sexual Crimes Unit. This outreach is part of a broader effort to determine the full scope of the suspects' activities and to build a comprehensive timeline of the alleged offenses.