A Michigan physician is under accusation for recording and mistreating a diverse range of victims, encompassing minors.
Medical Professional Faced Multiple Charges, Sheriff Says at Press Conference
Dr. Oumair Aejaz is currently facing charges of engaging in sexually abusive activity towards minors, capturing unclothed images on several occasions, and utilizing a computer to commit criminal acts, as stated by Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard during a press conference on a Tuesday.
"This individual might potentially be one of the most appalling I've ever encountered," Bouchard asserted during the conference. "Because there's no specific classification. It's not exclusive to children, nor only women, nor just men. The victimization spans from a 2-year-old to an adult woman. The scope of victimization is so wide, and the perversion so profound, that we're merely starting to comprehend it."
The primary evidence behind these charges originates from an incident that transpired at a Goldfish Swim School in August 2023. Video footage linked to this incident was discovered on devices previously confiscated from Aejaz, authorities reported.
"The existing charges stemming from the incidents we've identified have taken place in Oakland County, thus far, and involve four distinct victims," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald declared during the press conference. "The presently charged cases have ties to the swim school and involve a 2-year-old, a 4-year-old, and two adult females."
McDonald later clarified that the charge of sexually abusive activity pertains to material uncovered on Aejaz's device, rather than the incident at the swim school.
Reports indicate that beyond the current criminal accusations, the sheriff's office made additional accusations in a press release, alleging that Aejaz, 40, had been employing concealed cameras to record children as young as 2 and various aged women in hospital rooms, changing areas, closets, bathrooms, and bedrooms he had access to for a minimum of six years.
Aejaz is also alleged to have recorded sexual encounters with numerous hospital patients who were either unconscious or asleep, or filmed close relatives in the restroom or while changing clothes, according to the sheriff's office press release.
CNN attempted to secure a comment from Aejaz's attorney.
Earlier in the month, Aejaz's wife presented information and materials to the sheriff's office that seemed concerning. Oakland County court records show that Aejaz's wife submitted a restraining order against her husband and requested sole custody of their home and children after filing for divorce in June.
Authorities immediately executed search warrants and confiscated six computers, four mobile phones, and 15 external storage devices – one of which held 13,000 videos, the sheriff reported. Aejaz was apprehended by detectives during the search warrant execution at his home on August 8, a day following his wife's submission of a tip.
According to the sheriff, some of the footage captured by Aejaz originated from within his own home, which he shared with his wife and two young sons.
Aejaz was taken into custody on August 13 in Rochester Hills District Court and is presently being held at Oakland County Jail on a $2 million bond, Bouchard stated. A citizen of India, Aejaz had been working in the United States on a visa, the sheriff mentioned. Aejaz's next hearing is scheduled for August 26.
"These are merely the charges we've currently charged, that relate to the victims we can identify," McDonald added, noting authorities anticipate finding more victims from the thousands of images on the devices.
"What we understand from law enforcement is this was not a situation where cameras were attached or hidden within the Goldfish facility, but rather recordings were made using hidden recording equipment on the suspect's person, or belongings he brought in and out of the facility for swimming lessons," Goldfish Swim School stated in a press release.
"Law enforcement has conducted a thorough sweep of our facility to ensure that there are no hidden or affixed cameras, and we prioritize the safety and privacy of our members, staff, and guests by performing continuous facility checks, as we always have."
Aejaz had privileges at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township and Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township; however, he was not an employee of either institution, according to the sheriff's office press release. During the press conference, Bouchard urged any additional medical facilities where Aejaz had licensure or was practicing to communicate with the sheriff's office.
"We are distressed by these allegations and take them incredibly seriously. This individual has never been an employee of Henry Ford Health, but had privileges at various area hospitals, including Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. The safety of our patients and team members is our foremost concern, and we've taken immediate action to prevent him from practicing within our health system," Henry Ford Health stated in a press release.
CNN has also made contact with Ascension for comment.
The sheriff estimated that it would take around six months to complete a comprehensive forensic examination of the confiscated materials, with the investigation into Aejaz likely to extend beyond local municipalities to include "other states or countries."
"Violating children in secure spaces such as changing areas amid a fun swim or sexually violating women recuperating from medical procedures due to sedation demonstrates his depravity knows no bounds. It is my fervent hope that at the end of this case, he is held fully accountable behind bars," Bouchard concluded.
The medical professional, Dr. Oumair Aejaz, acknowledged being the "us" referred to in the sheriff's press release, as multiple charges against him were disclosed due to his alleged actions.
Despite facing numerous charges, Aejaz continued to have privileges at various medical facilities, such as Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and Ascension Genesys Hospital, highlighting the importance for these institutions to communicate with authorities.
