Momah found guilty of sexual crimes against patients

A King County Superior Court jury in Seattle today found Dr. Charles Momah guilty of sexual crimes against patients, capping more than three days of deliberations following a four-week trial.

Momah, a 49-year-old obstetrician-gynecologist who formerly practiced in Burien and Federal Way, was convicted of two counts of rape and two counts of indecent liberties against four patients who testified against him.

He could face up to 16 years behind bars. A sentencing date was not set.

Momah, who took the stand in his own defense, conceded he had sex with two patients, but said the relationships were consensual. He said his actions showed poor judgment but amounted to unprofessional, not criminal, behavior. Momah and his attorney said other allegations were misunderstandings and were not crimes.

Momah has not practiced medicine since September, 2003, when state authorities suspended his license. The state is scheduled to begin disciplinary proceedings against him in January, said Donn Moyer, spokesman for the state Department of Health.

Momah remains charged with three counts of health-care fraud, which will be tried later. In addition, he faces civil suits from dozens of women who say he sexually abused them or botched surgeries.