Alabama psychiatrist arrested for sexual abuse and harassment

October 4, 2013

Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide says they have arrested a local doctor on sexual abuse and harassment charges.

According to authorities, Dr. Mohammad Omar Mohabbat was arrested Sept. 26 on grand jury indictments for second degree sexual abuse and harassment. Mohabbat was released from the Tuscaloosa County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

[CCHR note: Mohabbat is identified as a psychiatrist here and here.]

The investigation of Mohabbat began after Tuscaloosa investigators received a complaint of improper conduct and contact between Mohabbat and a patient.

Mohabbat's attorney, Jay Smyth, says his client is fighting the charges.

"I can say that Dr. Mohammad expects this case to be resolved very favorably...and that he will be vigorously defending the claims that have been made," Smyth said.

Mohabbat's son spoke with FOX6 News off-camera tonight. He says his father is a caring man who has an excellent reputation in the community. Smyth echoes the sentiment.

"And we have always found him to be a person of his word...caring and concerned about his patients...and of course he's concerned about this patient. He's concerned about her well-being and about what may have triggered her to do what she's done here," Smyth said.

According to the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners records, Mohabbat was first issued a license in Alabama in 1984. His current license was issued at the beginning of 2013 and is in renewal.  He studed at Kabul Medical Institute in Afghanistan.

Brad Fisher, Communications Director at DCH, has issued this statement:

"DCH was unaware of this investigation and arrest until this afternoon's news reports. We will look into this and take appropriate action regarding Dr. Mohabbat's privileges."

According to the DCH website, Mohabbat practices at the hospital and at the Northport Medical Center. FOX6 is working to confirm with DCH that Mohabbat does still practice there.

[CCHR note: It appears that DCH has removed Dr. Mohabbat from their website following publication of this story.]

Source: Brianne Britzius and Joshua Gauntt, "Tuscaloosa authorities arrest local doctor for sexual abuse and harassment," WBRC Fox 6, October 1, 2013.