FORT LAUDERDALE – A prominent South Florida physician has been arrested and charged with sexual battery, allegedly committed on a patient.
CLICK HERE READ THE ARREST AFFIDAVIT
Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives from its Criminal Investigations Special Victims Unit took Dr. Edwin H. Hamilton, 79, into custody on Wednesday, May 11.
He was released on bond the next day.
According to the arrest affidavit, a female patient alleged that Hamilton molested her while giving her an unspecified examination at his Pompano Beach office.
“On May 11, 2011, the listed defendant, who is a doctor (MD) committed a crime of Sexual Battery against one of his patients during one of her visits at his office located at the listed address,” states the affidavit. “To wit: The defendant caused his hands to touch the victim’s breasts, and [private area] in a non-bonifi manner without the victim’s consent. Furthermore, the defendant caused his [private part] to make union with the victim’s (redacted) and (redacted) and subsequently her [private area] without the victim’s consent.”
‘The victim gave a sworn statement and stated she wanted to prosecute. During the struggle with defendant, the victim’s phone redial [sic] the last number called (the victim’s sister). Upon received [sic] the phone call, the victim’s sister heard the struggle and recorded the dialogue between the victim and defendant. The recording was placed into evidence.”
Hamilton is a successful doctor and prominent member of society, particularly in the black community. He is a pastor and member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Several people who knows him were shocked at the allegations and said it was entirely out of character.
He was born in Fort Myers, Florida in 1931 and graduated from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in 1959. He is affiliated with numerous local hospitals and organizations have received countless awards and recognitions for his practice and community service.
The Broward State Attorney’s Office say they have yet to receive the complaint into their system and therefore his arraignment date has yet to be scheduled.
The investigation is ongoing. The Broward Sheriff’s Office is trying to determine if there may be other victims and is asking anyone with information to contact Det. Sylviane Wernath, of the Special Victims Unit at 954-321-4240.
EJones@SFLTimes.com
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