Jury trials to consider doctor’s lewd allegations, 2024 homicide

The final week of the Comanche County jury trial docket is slated to begin with two high-profile cases involving lewd allegations against a Lawton doctor and a 2024 homicide.

All cases are subject to continuations or pleas that end them before they begin.

On Monday, the trial of a Lawton doctor accused of lewd conduct is scheduled to begin.

Dr. Bali Reddy Sodam, 59, of Lawton, is to begin trial in Comanche County District Judge Scott D. Meaders’ courtroom for felony charges of Sexual battery and indecent exposure. Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Sodam was charged in June 2022 for allegations he exposed himself and sexually abused a patient during a Jan. 14, 2022, examination at his office at Comanche Nephrology, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

Following the woman’s and other complaints made to the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, a partial agreement was reached with Sodam for restrictions on his license. He can only see patients via telemedicine under supervision. The hearing regarding his full licensure is pending the outcome of the criminal complaints in Comanche County.

The State Board’s action followed three allegations: one regarding Sodam’s conduct at his office at Comanche Nephrology, 4417 W. Gore, Suite No. 1, as well as two others stemming from claims of sexual harassment and misconduct at Comanche County Memorial Hospital, according to the complaints.

The prosecution are expected to present witnesses relating to these allegations in the trial.

Sodam lost his privileges with Comanche County Memorial Hospital when the third complaint was filed in February 2022, according to hospital officials. He also is no longer affiliated with Southwestern Medical Center.

Separately, Sodam had two civil cases pending in Comanche County District Court. One case filed for medical negligence in September 2022 by Gary Richards against Sodam, Comanche Nephrology, Memorial Hospital, Dr. Ricardo Aguilar and several other individuals identified as John and Jane Does as well as John Doe companies was dismissed without prejudice in December 2022, records indicate. The case was dismissed without prejudice on June 7 and could be reinstated at a future date.

The second case filed by Sodom in October 2022, accuses Leslie Whiles, Dr. Magdalena Sikora and New Directions Dialysis LLC of defamation/slander. Civil relief of more than $10,000 is sought in this pending case.

Sodam remains free on $25,000 bail since his initial court appearance July 7, 2022.

The trial of a 62-year-old man accused of shooting and killing one of his roommates is scheduled to begin Monday in Presiding District Judge Emmit Tayloe’s court.

Wesley Blake Moore, of Lawton, is scheduled to begin trial for first-degree manslaughter. The trial had been scheduled to begin last week but was continued due to the unavailability of the State Medical Examiner to testify.

Moore has been held on $1 million bond since his initial court appearance Jan. 29 when he was originally charged with a felony charge of first-degree murder — deliberate intent, records indicate. The charge was amended at his preliminary hearing in July.

Moore is accused of shooting Corliss Howell, 64, during a Jan. 21 incident at the home they shared at 1604 SW E. A third housemate told investigators Moore had been upset with her and Howell for not bringing home any whiskey. She said he was already intoxicated and, after leaving the room and returning with a pistol, he shot Howell in the face, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Other trial:

•Ty Alan Turner, 20, of Marlow, will begin trial Thursday in Judge Meaders’ court for felony charges of first-degree rape and rape by instrumentation.