BARDONIA, NY – A Bardonia eye doctor, Hiten Lakhani was sentenced Thursday to 30 days in jail and six years of probation for sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in 2012.
According to News12, Lakhani maintained his innocence during sentencing in a Clarkstown court. Overseeing the case is Judge David Ascher.
“I have never intentionally hurt anyone in my entire life,” says Lakhani.
Lakhani, who will have to register as a sex offender, could have received up to one year behind bars. The district attorney’s office asked for two months behind bars, saying the victim has been traumatized by the incident.
News 12 reports, the victim was so sickened by his words. The girl was treated by paramedics outside the court and later taken to the hospital.
Prosecutors say Lakhani will still be allowed to practice at his ophthalmology clinic in Bardonia when he gets out of jail.
Lakhani’s attorney says his client will only serve 20 days of the 30-day sentence. Lakhani plans to appeal the case.