Bucks County Psychiatrist Charged With Fondling 3 Patients
By Tim Jimenez and Elizabeth Hur
DOYLESTOWN, Pa., (CBS) -- A Bucks County psychiatrist is behind bars facing allegations he fondled three patients, including two minors.
Authorities are also concerned there may be more victims.
Dr. Basem Shlewiet, 42, was arrested in his Doylestown Borough office Thursday afternoon. The Bucks County District Attorney's office alleges Shlewiet took advantage of three patients; a 22-year-old woman and two girls ages 14 and 17.
"These three young women went to the doctor, seeking treatment, but instead, he preyed upon them and he abused them," said Deputy District Attorney Lindsay Vaughan.
Shlewiet is charged with two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, two counts of corruption of minors, along with seven counts of indecent assault. Authorities say the alleged assaults took place during the victims' courses of treatment between April and December 2013.
The allegations came as a shock to at least one woman who described her doctor-patient relationship with Shlewiet: pleasant and professional.
"He is an excellent doctor, he's helped our family out exclusively, I am just in shock right now." The woman asked to remain anonymous and added, "I'm very pleased with what he has done for us and we thank him for what's he done for my family but whatever has happened needs to be investigated."
"This is a doctor-patient relationship. Victims may fear they won't be believed, so we are asking anyone at this time, who has any information, to come forward," Vaughan said.
Anyone with more information is asked to call police at 215-348-6629.
Bail was set by Magisterial District Judge Maggie Snow at $250,000, 10%, with additional conditions that the Defendant have no contact with minors, have no contact with his offices space at 16 North Franklin Street, Suite 100, not practice psychiatry pending the resolution of criminal charges, and surrender his passport. He was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.
Stay with CBSPhilly.com for the latest on this developing story.
