Silver Spring dentist charged with sexually assaulting patient

Montgomery County Police have charged a Silver Spring dentist with sex offenses for allegedly assaulting a patient.

Investigators suspect there may be other victims.

A woman told police on March 2 that Dr. Ermias Semaie assaulted her on two separate occasions during procedures at his office when there was no hygienist in the room.

Detectives with the department’s Special Victims Investigations Division corroborated the woman’s allegations, police said.

They also discovered a previous allegation reported to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners in 2018 after which Semaie’s license was temporarily suspended and he was placed on probation. No criminal charges were filed stemming from the allegation.

Semaie, 35, is charged with multiple counts of fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault. He was arrested on Thursday and released on bond.

Semaie’s attorney, Andrew Jezic, said in a statement that his client will be exonerated in court. “Dr. Semaie is innocent. We intend to prove his innocence at trial and win back his outstanding reputation as a dentist, community leader, and family man.”

Detectives with the Special Victims Investigations Division urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has information to call investigators at 240-773-5050.