Gynecologist Accused Of Raping Patients

www.newsnet5.com ^

[esryle]

SEATTLE -- A former gynecologist accused of sexual abuse by dozens of women he treated in suburban clinics was charged Wednesday with rape and insurance fraud.

Charles Momah, 48, faces a maximum 23 years in prison if convicted of seven felony counts against him. He surrendered to police in suburban Federal Way and was to be arraigned Thursday.

"He tore my life apart and I haven't been hopeful since then," said Jolie Campbell, one of 47 women who have filed civil lawsuits against Momah. "I'm glad they're finally taking control of things so he doesn't hurt any more women out there."

According to prosecutors, Momah allegedly performed gynecological exams without wearing gloves, sexually touched patients, probed them unnecessarily with a vaginal ultrasound wand - a device rarely used by gynecologists - flirted with patients inappropriately, prescribed addictive painkillers for no good medical reason, pressured patients into surgeries and double-billed insurance companies for procedures.

One patient told investigators Momah used the ultrasound wand on her "as though it was a sex toy," complimented her genitalia and touched her breasts when she tried to leave, according to court documents.

When the patient threatened to report him, "Momah said that it would be her word against his, and that no one would believe her because she was a 'nobody' and he was a doctor," the documents alleged.

In one of the two rape cases, police allegedly matched Momah's DNA with evidence collected from a rape exam of one patient.

The state suspended Momah's medical license a year ago. An identical twin, Dr. Dennis Momah, was cleared by the state Health Department of allegations he had impersonated his brother and examined patients.

Campbell's allegations that Momah raped her in an exam room are not included in the charges. Dan Donohoe, spokesman for the prosecutor's office, said some complaints against Momah did not result in charges because the statute of limitations had run out.

Momah's attorney, David Allen, did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday. He has said in the past that Momah is innocent and plans to regain his license and practice medicine again.

[diamond6]

A female nurse MUST be present during examinations.

[diamond6]

I correct that, a female employee of the gynecologist.

[love n hate tattoo]

He was only trying to "practice his love for women"....sorry couldn't resist.

[workerbee]

Why wasn't there an assistant in the exam room when these women were being "examined"? I've never been to a gyn (male or female) that this wasn't standard practice, and as far as I knew it was a legal requirement for precisely the reasons of protecting both the patient from anything inappropriate and the doctor from false accusations.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

He was only trying to "practice his love for women"....sorry couldn't resist.

Rape is not 'practicing his love for women'.

[love n hate tattoo]

Yes, I know...this was a joke. In poor taste granted, but a joke none the less.

[Solar Wind]

Flash Bazbeaux,

"Clearly, this was not one of the doctors President Bush was referring to when he recently stated.

"Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."

Sorry, folks, but I just can't let a setup like that go to waste."

President Bush did not say this. It is a cruel urban legend started by Bush-haters. What he said in his address to the Republican National Convention was:

"As I have traveled our country, I have met too many good doctors, especially ob-gyn , who are being forced out of practice because of the high cost of lawsuits. To make health care more affordable and accessible, we must pass medical liability reform now. And in all we do to improve health care in America, we will make sure that health decisions are made by doctors and patients, not by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040903/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_bush_text_1

As you can see what he said is not even close to the urban legend which was obviously made up from the whole cloth.

Bush is aware that he is not the best public speaker. He cracked self deprecating jokes about himself in the same speech:

"In the last four years, you and I have come to know each other. Even when we don't agree, at least you know what I believe and where I stand. You may have noticed I have a few flaws, too. People sometimes have to correct my English — I knew I had a problem when Arnold Schwarzenegger started doing it. Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called "walking." Now and then I come across as a little too blunt — and for that we can all thank the white-haired lady sitting right up there."

I love his line on walking.

Mr Sol

[najida]

..a female employee of the gynecologist.

That is what struck me odd about this story. EVERY male GYN I have had always, without exception, had another female present in the room during the exam.

Just the fact that he was ever alone with his patients is creepy.

[CurlyBill]

Amateur Gynecologist? I'll take that as sarcasm.

[B4Ranch]

Is he a Muslim? Sure looks that way. Women are slaves and toys to them.

>>When the patient threatened to report him, "Momah said that it would be her word against his, and that no one would believe her because she was a 'nobody' and he was a doctor," the documents alleged.<<

[SoCal Pubbie]

Semen is not the only source of DNA.

[hellinahandcart]

I have always wondered why a man would enter the field of Gynecology anyway... and why a man would EVER let his wife go to a male Gynecologist.

I prefer male gynecologists. It creeps me out to be examined by a female. I have recently moved to a new city and will be looking around for a MALE gyno. That's just the way I want it.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Semen is not the only source of DNA.

True. But where rape is claimed, it is the most likely.

[Ignatz]

Yeah, but he was this --->| |<--- close to being one I'll bet

Are ya sayin' 'taint far from there?

[CurlyBill]

Ummm............okay........as long as you're happy. I just wonder why they chose THIS specific field to go into. I suspect that many of them, not all, have unspoken reasons.

[Titan Magroyne]

I'm exactly opposite, on principle akin to not taking my car to be serviced by a mechanic who never has, never will have his own car. :o) I don't wanna hear that arrogant crap pooh-poohing any mystery problems and ascribing it to female hysteria. Easy enough for a female OB to do that too, I spose, but I'm no hypocondriac - if I go to the doc, I want to be listened to.

This story is creepy. What happened to the 2nd person who is supposed to be in the room during the exam? That should send off warning bells to the lady, NOT that I'm blaming the victims.

My health care plan was recently changed and I was assigned a male OB, which I intend to amend. He seems to be a conscientious doctor, though his handling was rough. Immediately it occurred to me that it might have been intentional so as to avoid the perception that he was up to funny business.

[MD_Willington_1976]

That sounds like a name a 419 scammer would use...

[wireman]

I'll take that as sarcasm...

You're sharp as a bowling ball!