OXNARD : Dentist Pleads No Contest in Sex Case

An Oxnard dentist pleaded no contest Monday to a charge that he molested a 12-year-old girl during an examination in his office.

Craig K. Alhanati, 34, is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 15 by Superior Court Judge James M. McNally. The charge--lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under age 14--carries a maximum term of eight years in prison, Deputy Dist. Atty. Gary K. Barrett said.

Alhanati was arrested Sept. 4 at his Saviers Road office after the 12-year-old told investigators that he had fondled her several times during an office visit the day before.

The dentist’s attorney, Rick Chaidez, said Alhanati has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been hearing voices before the incident with the girl. Except for court appearances, he had been in a mental treatment facility since his arrest, the attorney said.

McNally appointed a psychologist to examine Alhanati before the sentencing. The case has been reported to the state Board of Dental Examiners, which plans to file an administrative complaint against Alhanati, a spokesman said Monday.