Maple Grove doctor accused of sexually assaulting patient

A Maple Grove doctor has been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a female patient during an exam last year.

Dr. Javaid Saleem is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct – falsely representing a medical purpose, according to the criminal complaint filed Tuesday in Hennepin County.

The felony charge carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine, and 10 years conditional release if there is a conviction.

The alleged incident occurred in May 2020 at North Memorial Clinic in Maple Grove. According to the complaint:

The female patient saw Dr. Saleem at his clinic on May 4, and during the appointment he recommended a rectal exam - which she didn't believe was needed. Saleem wrote her a prescription and referred her to a specialist, but she was unable to pursue either options.

Hoping to get a generic form of the medication Saleem had prescribed, she went back to see him on May 15. 

During this appointment, which started routinely, the woman explained her symptoms. Saleem again suggested a rectal exam. She agreed, reluctantly.

Saleem did not leave while she undressed, did not provide a gown or any type of sheet for the woman to cover herself, and did not draw curtains to prevent anyone else that entered the room from seeing the woman.

During the exam, Saleem went beyond the scope of the check and sexually assaulted the woman.

The patient did not say anything. When he'd completed the exam, the woman said she noticed Saleem, while typing on his computer, had a hand tucked under his coat near his genital area.

Saleem did not provide her any results from the exam. Investigators later looked at her medical records, and they did not include any mention of what he had told her needed to be done.

Maple Grove police were called that day to a report of a sexual assault.

Saleem is licensed as a physician and surgeon in Maple Grove, according to state licensing records. He has no previous disciplinary or corrective actions listed in his profile.

Dr. Carolyn Ogland, chief medical officer for North Memorial Health, said in a written statement that Saleem was placed on administrative leave on May 26, 2020. That's when the organization learned of the allegations. As of Tuesday, Saleem is no longer employed by North Memorial Health, the statement added.

"We do not comment on the details of open cases or active litigation," Ogland continued. "What we can tell you is patient safety is our top priority at North Memorial Health and we are deeply committed to providing a safe environment for our customers and team. North Memorial Health has a zero-tolerance policy for unethical treatment and any type of misconduct by our employees."

The Star Tribune reports Saleem's attorney denied the allegations, saying they would prove his innocence in court. 

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