Last week, a Franklin County, Pennsylvania doctor was sentenced for drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women, including former patients and a 13 year old girl. See Commonwealth v. Sohael Raschid, CP-28-CR-0001016-2015.
Sohael Raschid was an obstetrician and gynecologist until his arrest in 2015. He operated a medical office in Chambersburg, PA. Raschid graduated from Georgetown University medical school and had been in practice for roughly 30 years.
During a jury trial, the victims testified that they were given a drink containing alcohol and found themselves in and out of consciousness while with the doctor. In at least 3 cases, toxicology reports showed the presence of drugs. In the 13 year old girl’s case, the toxicology report showed the presence of a prescription sedative used to treat insomnia.
The jury found him guilty of all charges except one. He was convicted of 14 counts of sexual assault and related charges and was sentenced to a total of 360-1140 months (30-95 years) in prison. The sentence on each charge runs consecutively, meaning that each sentence must be served, one after the other. In some criminal cases, where a defendant is convicted of multiple counts, the sentences will run currently, meaning that they run together, or at the same time. In Raschid’s case, the longest sentence was on a felony count, 90-240 months, and the shortest sentence, for a misdemeanor, was 1-12 months.
Another, similar case is pending (CP-28-CR-0001008-2015). In that case, the doctor is accused of sexually assaulting a female friend. The acts are alleged to have happened after the first case against the doctor was already underway. Trial is scheduled for next month.
Related:
- Sex Abuse by a Doctor or Therapist (May 12, 2017) More and more patients are coming forward with reports that they’ve been sexually assaulted by a doctor or therapist. Oftentimes, victims don’t come forward because they fear they won’t be believed. What are the legal rights of patients who’ve been assaulted by their trusted medical providers?
- Chiropractors Charged with Sex Assault of Patients in New Jersey (December 7, 2016) Chiropractors in New Jersey have been accused of sexually assaulting patients during treatment. Get the latest on the criminal cases and any license suspensions.
- New Jersey Doctors & Sex Assault of Patients – A Look at Recent Cases (October 19, 2016) How does the New Jersey licensing board look at reports of sexual assault by a doctor? Are boards across the country doing enough? Probably not. Doctors are often treated with kids gloves when it comes to reports of sexual assault of patients.
- Civil Damages for Financial Compensation in Massage Therapist Sex Assault Cases (August 11, 2016) Incidents of sex assault during a massage have increased in recent years. Can an individual who is sexually assaulted during a massage therapy session seek financial compensation?
Doctor Abuse Lawyers in Pennsylvania
Our law firm handles civil lawsuits against medical professionals in Pennsylvania for abuse and assault. Please contact our firm for a free consultation. Call (215) 399-9255.