A Crystal Lake doctor entered a not guilty plea last week at his arraignment before a McHenry County judge denying he sexually abused and battered a woman last year.
Hiralal G. Maheshwari, 61, of the 700 block of Blackthorn Drive, is charged with Class 4 felony criminal sexual abuse using force and a Class A misdemeanor count of battery, according to the McHenry County court records.
According to the indictment, Maheshwari is accused of fondling a woman.
“Dr. Maheshwari has been a practicing physician in the community for almost two decades,” his attorney Damon Cheronis said. “During this time, he has successfully treated thousands of patients and has an exemplary reputation.”
Cheronis said Maheshwari has been “fully cooperative” and “vehemently denies this allegation.”
If convicted, he also would be required to serve up to one year of mandatory supervised release, pay up to $25,000 in fines and register as a sex offender for 10 years, McHenry County Judge Michael Coppedge said.
He also would be required to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS, the judge said.
Maheshwari, listed as having an active medical license, has an office in Crystal Lake where he practices endocrinology, diabetes and internal medicine.
He is due back in court April 8.
The woman reported the incident to Crystal Lake police who, after a monthslong investigation, obtained a warrant for the doctor’s arrest. He was arrested by Chicago police at O’Hare Airport, Crystal Lake Deputy Chief Rick Neumann said.
“Crystal Lake Police thank the victim for coming forward and ask that anyone with any additional information please call the non-emergency line at 815-356-3620,” Neumann said.