A state appeals court in California upheld the conviction of a dentist serving a 75-year-to-life prison sentence for sex-related offenses against five women patients and an extern, according to a story published on November 2 in MyNewsLA.com.
A panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of Dr. Emad Fathy Moawad, whom a jury convicted in July 2025 of felony counts of sexual battery by restraint, five felony counts of sexual penetration by use of force, and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery.
The appeals court rejected the defense’s argument that the trial judge made a mistake in allowing jurors to hear a psychology expert testify about the consequences of trauma and victimization without knowing the details of the case. The court noted that the testimony given explained some of the victims’ behavior after the assaults, according to the story.
In September 2025, Moawad, who had been in jail since his 2021 arrest, was sentenced.
Between 2013 and 2020, Moawad, who co-operated a practice with his wife, Dr. Katerina Moawad, was accused of sexually assaulting women between the ages of 19 and 73.
The investigation into Moawad began after a patient sued the dentist for sexual battery, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. The patient accused him of molesting her while she was under anesthesia for dental treatment. She claimed dental practice staff heard her yell at Moawad and accuse him of assault.
During a different visit, the alleged victim accused Moawad of putting his hands inside her underwear and rubbing her while she was under local anesthesia. She alleged that Moawad held her down until she managed to break free and run from the room. Furthermore, a dental assistant reportedly shot a video of one of the assaults to bring an end to the alleged assaults. The investigation revealed other victims.
