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PROVO — Dr. Joseph Berg, a Utah County plastic surgeon accused of tying up his girlfriend, was arrested Monday after he showed up late for a preliminary hearing.
Berg was scheduled to be in court Monday afternoon. When he didn't appear in court on time, an arrest warrant was issued.
When Berg arrived in court later in the day, Fourth District Judge Samuel McVey sent him to jail, according to deputy Utah County attorney Craig Johnson.
Berg will appear in court Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. for a bail hearing.
Berg is charged with aggravated kidnapping, a first- degree felony, possession of a controlled substance, two counts of use of a firearm by a restricted person, all third-degree felonies, and misdemeanor assault.
On Nov. 6, Orem police received a 911 call and responded to Berg's house. When they arrived, they heard a 48-year-old woman crying and in distress. Police broke down the front door and said they found a woman with her hands and wrists taped together and tied to a dresser in the closet.
Two days after the incident, however, the woman claimed the incident was being blown out of proportion and said she was never abused.
In an interview on Nov. 9, Berg said his girlfriend had been drinking and he restrained her to prevent her from driving. The day before, however, the girlfriend said the two had been arguing. She said Berg thought she was cheating and tied her up to keep her from running away.
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