Dr. Hiten Lakhani, an ophthalmologist in Clarkstown, is facing up to one year in jail following his conviction for sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl, the Rockland District Attorney's Office said.

A jury in Clarkstown town court last week found Lakhani guilty of second-degree sexual abuse, a misdemeanor.

Lakhani, 50, lives in New City and has an office on Route 304 in Bardonia.

The victim knew Lakhani but was not a patient of his. The abuse occurred in August 2012 and he was arrested in May 2016.

"As a doctor, the defendant was keenly aware of how harmful his actions would be to his young victim," Rockland District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said in a statement. "This sexual predator now has the possibility of going to jail as a result of his depraved behavior."

Lakhani's lawyer, Sharon Appelbaum, said she was disappointed in the verdict.

"My client testified at trial and told the jury he did not commit this crime and I believe him," she wrote in an email. "This fight is not over and we will appeal."

He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15 and will have to register as a sex offender.

https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/rockland/2018/12/13/dr-hiten-lakhani-clarkstown-eye-doctor-convicted-sexual-abuse/2302886002/