A trip to the dentist can be worrying enough without having to fear for abusers wielding the drill while you are reclining in the chair.
Certainly, female patients in Los Angeles can breathe a sigh of relief now that one alleged serial predator has been taken out of action.
A dentist has been charged with sexually abusing nine patients at his dental practice in the city over the course of several years, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced this week.
Emad Fathy Moawad, of Marina del Rey, is facing nine counts of sexual battery by restraint, three counts of sexual penetration by use of force and one count of attempted sexual penetration by use of force, the DA’s office said.
“This case is especially concerning because its victims are low-income people and immigrants who are less likely to report crimes due to fear,” District Attorney George Gascón said. “We are asking other possible victims to come forward and help us keep our community safe.”
The alleged sexual assaults are said to have happened between 2013 and 2018 at Moawad’s office on Beverly Boulevard and Normandie Avenue, according to the criminal complaint.
What is more, 50-year-old Moawad didn’t discriminate based on age. His alleged victims range in age from 27 to 73.
The charges follow a lengthy investigation by LAPD sex crimes detectives with the department’s West Bureau, according to a report in the LA Times.
The outlet tried to contact Moawad for comment but it said he did not return their calls.
In 2019, a female patient sued Moawad in L.A. County Superior Count for sexual battery, sexual harassment and sexual violence, the LA Times further reported.
That lawsuit states that he operated a practice with his wife, Katerina Moawad, another dentist. The woman, whom the LA Times did not identify as a victim of sexual assault, reported her allegations to Los Angeles police.
The lawsuit alleges that in 2017, while the female patient was under anesthesia, Moawad repeatedly “sexually battered, molested and assaulted her.” The suit alleges the staff heard her yell at him and accuse him of sexual assault.
Moawad is set to be arraigned on Wednesday.