Five more woman file charges against "fondling" psychiatrist

February 21, 2014

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Prosecutors in southeastern Pennsylvania have filed additional charges against a psychiatrist already accused of inappropriately touching three women who came to his office for help.

The Bucks County district attorney's office said five more women informed authorities that 42-year-old Dr. Basem Shlewiet fondled them in his Doylestown office.

He was arraigned Friday on 10 additional counts of indecent assault and released on $250,000 unsecured bond.

Doylestown police initially received reports from three separate young women from April to December 2013 alleging Shlewiet fondled them. After his arrest in January was publicized, prosecutors said five more patients came forward alleging similar misconduct.

Defense attorney Louis Busico said his client's examination techniques may have been misunderstood.

Prosecutors said the eight alleged victims ranged in age from 14 to 33.

Source: "Pa. psychiatrist charged with fondling more women," SFGate, February 21, 2014.