Prominent S. Fla. Physician Charged With Sexual Battery
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - A prominent, 79-year-old Broward doctor is facing some stunning allegations from a 37-year-old patient who says he groped her, exposed himself and molested her again.
Dr. Edwin Hamilton is charged with sexual battery after an incident that reportedly happened at his Pompano Beach office on Wednesday. It reportedly happened as the patient was getting an examination.
Broward Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright said, "While there in the office, the patient said the doctor groped her, touched her breasts and forced himself on her."
The victim said they struggled and she was able to telephone her sister.
"Her sister heard that struggle and was able to record it," said Coleman-Wright. That recording is now in evidence.
BSO calls this an alarming case.
"Right now we have no evidence of any other victims, but if there are, we urge them to come forward. These are very serious allegations," said Coleman-Wright.
Hamilton's office was closed Friday afternoon. He has been released on bond.
Outside his Plantation home, CBS4's Peter D'Oench caught up with Hamilton's family members including his wife. "We have no comment," said his wife. "No comment at all."
One neighbor who declined to give his name told D'Oench, "Dr. Hamilton's a good man. He's a quiet man. I can't believe this."
Hamilton is the recipient of numerous awards for his work and community service. He is also a member of the Broward Senior Hall of Fame.
He is a former Chief of Surgery at Broward General Medical Center and was the first black in Broward history to head a department at a hospital.
Hamilton has also been an Associate pastor at the well-known Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale since 1984 and has taught Sunday school classes there as well.
CBS4 News has learned the alleged victim has decided to pursue charges against Hamilton.
