edwin-hamilton.jpgFORT LAUDERDALE— A prominent South Florida physician who was arrested and charged with sexual battery allegedly committed on a patient will still be honored at a previously scheduled ceremony.


Detectives from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Special Victims Unit arrested Dr. Edwin H. Hamilton, 79, on Wednesday, May 11. He is charged with a single count of sexual battery.

Hamilton will be honored at “An Evening of Recognition” event on June 4 at the Signature Grand in Davie. He could not be reached for comment and it was unclear if he had retained an attorney.

“He has been accused, not convicted, and we are proudly moving ahead. This man has given so much to this college and communities around the country and he is deserving of this recognition,” said Dr. Henry A. Moses, interim director of Meharry National Alumni Association. “We fully support him.”

Hamilton was born in Fort Myers in 1931. He graduated from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., in 1959, served in the U.S. Army’s Medical Service Corps and taught Sunday School.

He is affiliated with numerous local hospitals and organizations where he has received countless awards and recognitions for his practice and community service.

The Edwin Harvey Hamilton, MD ’59 scholarship was set up in his name for students interested in medical studies at Meharry Medical College.

Moses said more than 800 invitations have been sent out for the recognition ceremony and well-wishers are expected to attend from around the country and abroad.

According to the arrest affidavit, a female patient alleged that Hamilton molested her while giving her an unspecified examination at his Pompano Beach office.
“On May 11, 2011, the listed defendant, who is a doctor (MD) committed a crime of Sexual Battery against one of his patients during one of her visits at his office located at the listed address,” states the affidavit. “To wit: The defendant caused his hands to touch the victim’s breasts, and [private area] in a non-bonifi manner without the victim’s consent. Furthermore, the defendant caused his [private part] to make union with the victim’s (redacted) and (redacted) and subsequently her [private area] without the victim’s consent.”

“The victim gave a sworn statement and stated she wanted to prosecute. During the struggle with defendant, the victim’s phone redial [sic] the last number called (the victim’s sister). Upon received [sic] the phone call, the victim’s sister heard the struggle and recorded the dialogue between the victim and defendant. The recording was placed into evidence,” the arrest affidavit says.

Hamilton is a successful doctor and prominent member of society, particularly in the black community. He is an author and associate pastor at Fort Lauderdale’s Mount Olive Baptist Church. Several people who know him were shocked at the allegation and said it was entirely out of character for the mild-mannered Hamilton.

“I think he is a marvelous, ethical community servant,” said Margaret Birch, a retired educator and civic advocate. “He sponsors numerous health fairs, free of charge and never fails to respond to requests for assistance. I think the allegations are totally fabricated and he will be exonerated.”

The investigation is ongoing. The Broward Sheriff’s Office says it is trying to determine if there may be other alleged victims and is asking anyone with information to call Detective Sylviane Wernath of the Special Victims Unit at 954-321-4240.

EJones@SFLTimes.com