Doctor’s trial for lewd charges continued

The trial of a Lawton doctor accused of lewd conduct has been continued until the February/March 2025 jury trial docket.

Dr. Bali Reddy Sodam, 59, of Lawton, was scheduled to begin trial Monday 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.

On Friday, District Attorney Kyle Cabelka asked for and received approval to reset the case until next year’s docket due to a personal conflict despite objection from Sodam’s counsel, William P. Kennedy, of Oklahoma City.

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.

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.

Sodam remains free on $25,000 bail since his initial court appearance July 7, 2022. He is scheduled to return to court at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2025, for a pre-trial conference.