A prominent Nigerian gynecologist in the United States,
Dr. Charles Momah, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison
for sexual crimes against four of his patients. He was also stripped of his medical license.
Dr. Momah, of South King County, Seattle, USA, was convicted of the crimes in November last year.
King County Superior Court Judge Michael Trickey said he was imposing
such a long sentence on the doctor despite pleas of clemency
from his attorney and family because he took advantage of his patients.
"What we have is a physician who was called upon to treat his patients
who came to him in need and vulnerability, and he did exploit that vulnerability," Judge Trickey said.
Dr. Momah, 49, operated prestigious fertility clinics in Burien and Federal Way until 2003,
when the accusations started and his medical license was suspended.
He was convicted of one count of second - degree rape,
one count of third- degree rape and two counts of indecent liberties.
During his trial, Dr. Momah admitted he had sex with two of his accusers, but claimed it was consensual.
"My actions showed poor judgment and were unprofessional,
but did not amount to criminal behaviour", he stated.
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2006/feb/10/national%20-10-02-2006-002.htm