OXNARD : Dentist Pleads Not Guilty to Charge of Molesting Patient
An Oxnard dentist pleaded not guilty in Ventura County Superior Court on Wednesday to charges that he molested a 12-year-old girl during an examination in his office.
Craig K. Alhanati, 34, entered the plea to one count of committing a lewd or lascivious act with a child under age 14. Judge James McNally allowed Alhanati to remain free in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Neither Alhanati nor his attorney could be reached for comment Wednesday.
Oxnard police arrested Alhanati on Sept. 4 at his office on Saviers Road, the day after a 12-year-old patient reportedly complained that the dentist had fondled her several times.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Gary Barrett said Alhanati was suspected of touching the girl’s breasts while she sat in a dentist chair.
Barrett said Alhanati has surrendered his license to the state Dental Examiners Board.
However, board enforcement chief Larry Ballard said the board has not received any such notice from Alhanati.
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