On Tuesday, September 22 it was announced that 61-year-old Dr. Farooq Rehman, a neurologist in Old Bridge, NJ, had been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a female patient. Rehman resides in Colts Neck.
According to news reports at CBS and My Central Jersey, Rehman is accused of sexually assaulting a patient in his office during examinations by improperly touching the victim, a 37-year-old woman whose name was not released. The woman alleges this activity occurred during visits to the doctor’s office between August 26 and September 9 of this year, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s office.
Investigators with the Old Bridge Police Dept. began investigating the case after the alleged victim contact police. Rehman has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact, and was held on a $100,000 bail at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center at last report.
In NJ, criminal sexual contact is a crime of the fourth degree; while this offense is a less serious charge than some other sex-related offenses and involves inappropriate touching of private body parts directly or through clothing, the criminal penalties are still severe. Those found guilty may be subject to fines of up to $10,000 and/or a maximum of 18 months in prison. A felony criminal record will also impact employment opportunities, housing, and other aspects of the accused individual’s life. In addition, when the victim is a minor the defendant will be required by the court to register as a sex offender if found guilty.
In the state of Michigan, inappropriate touching without penetration is considered 4th degree criminal sexual conduct. While the names of sex-related offenses from state to state may differ, all sex crimes carry serious and even life-changing consequences for those convicted. For example, in Michigan the penalties for the same crime in NJ described above include substantial fines and up to two years in prison; the defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender, regardless of whether the victim is a minor or adult.
In an employment situation, a victim may call this “sexual harassment.” Violation of MCL 750.520(e) is a two year high misdemeanor; 4th degree criminal sexual conduct violates this penal code.
The fact is, all crimes which are sexual in nature are extremely serious. You may have been wrongly accused, or a situation misinterpreted. Whatever the circumstances of your case, it is imperative to work with a capable and aggressive Michigan sex crimes lawyer who will protect your legal rights and fight aggressively for your freedom and future.