A former D.C. dentist convicted of sexually assaulting several of his patients has been sentenced to 16 1/2 years.

Bilal Ahmed pleaded guilty back in May to five felony charges that include first-degree sexual abuse of a patient with aggravating circumstances and four counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a patient with aggravating circumstances. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances and one count of simple assault.

The sentencing took place at D.C. Superior Court after two hours of emotional testimony from both sides.

Prosecutors said Ahmed, 45, used his practice in Georgetown to lure his victims for sexual pleasure. They said Ahmed took his victims into the procedure room and sexually assaulted them after sedating them with nitrous oxide.

Five of the victims testified in court on Friday about what Ahmed did to them. One of the victims said he is now scarred for life.

There was also emotional testimony from the defense. They called forward two doctors and two of Ahmed's family members in the courtroom. Both doctors attested for Ahmed's behavior saying he was sexually abused as a child.


Along with his prison time, Ahmed will be placed on three years of supervised release for each count and will need to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.