Psychiatrist, 58, charged with sexual assault of female patient, 26

May 19, 2012

MONROE -- Authorities are investigating a Michigan doctor who has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a patient at his Frenchtown Township office.

Dr. Abdullahi A. Mohamed, 58, of Dearborn Heights, Mich., was arraigned in the 1st District Court of Monroe on Thursday on two counts of criminal sexual conduct -- one a felony of the third degree, the second a fourth-degree misdemeanor. He was released from the Monroe County jail Thursday afternoon on $100,000 bond.

The third-degree felony indicates penetration is alleged; the fourth-degree misdemeanor involves touching.

Dr. Mohamed was a staff physician at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe. Hospital spokesman Jackie Swearingen declined Thursday to answer questions about the doctor's employment status, saying in an email, only that "the appropriate corrective action has been taken."

When asked to elaborate, she said she could not be more specific.

Michigan State Police officials said that, at least initially, the doctor was on administrative leave, but it was unclear if that was still the case on Thursday.

The doctor was arrested Tuesday after questioning at the Monroe post of the Michigan State Police, Trooper David Boike said.

A 26-year-old woman who told officials the doctor has been her long-time psychiatrist, reported the alleged assault at 11:15 a.m. Saturday. It occurred at the doctor's office in the 700 block of Stewart Road, officials said.

During the investigation, troopers found "probable cause" to arrest the doctor; Trooper Boike said he could not elaborate.

The trooper said the assault on the woman was a "one-time thing," but that it's possible more victims could come forward now that the investigation is public.

Ms. Swearingen said the doctor was hired in January, 2008. His employment prior to that was unavailable.

By email, she sent a statement: "The alleged incident is currently under investigation by the Michigan State Police. An immediate review of process occurred for the protection of all Mercy Memorial Hospital System patients and staff. Mercy Memorial Hospital System is fully cooperating with the law enforcement agency's efforts." She could not give further explanation as to what the "review process" entailed.

Dr. Mohamed's medical license was issued in Michigan in 2004, according to state records.

The state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Web site did not list any open formal complaints or disciplinary action against the doctor.

Source: Taylor Dungjen, "Mich. doctor charged with sexual assault of patient, 26," Toledo Blade, May 18, 2012.