A Barnwell County physician has been charged with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct.

Dr. Majeed Sharif Kaun, of 107 Goss Lane, Barnwell, was arrested by deputies from the Barnwell County Sheriff's Office Feb. 17 and charged with assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, first degree.

The 49-year-old Barnwell surgeon is accused of attempting to force a woman to perform a sex act on him, according to a Barnwell County Sheriff's Office affidavit.

Barnwell County Sheriff Ed Carroll said Kaun was sent to the Barnwell County Detention Center but was later released under a $30,000 cash or surety bond.

After attending a party in Williston Feb. 6, the victim returned to her house at about 11:45 p.m. with Kaun and another person, according to a Barnwell County Sheriff's report.

The other person left and Kaun told the victim he wanted to smoke before he left, according to the sheriff's report.

The victim told the deputy that Kaun also asked where her husband was.

Then Kaun asked her to use the bathroom, according to the report.

Kaun used the bathroom and afterwards told the victim her husband was not in the residence, stated the report.

Kaun then alledgedly lunged at the victim, tore her shirt, started touching her inappropriately and exposing himself as she told him to leave, the report states.

The victim started punching and slapping Kaun but he didn't leave until he was hit in the "private parts,"according to the report.

Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, first degree, is treated as if criminal sexual conduct was committed.

Criminal sexual misconduct in the first degree is a felony punishable by prison up to 30 years.

Kaun was contacted by The People-Sentinel but he declined to comment until he spoke with his attorney.
Barnwell County Hospital board chairman Don Alexander said Kaun is no longer employed by the hospital but would not elaborate.

Alexander said the criminal charges against Kaun will be handled in court.

"It's a law enforcement issue and we don't have a comment on the situation at the present time," said Alexander.

Barnwell County Hospital CEO Mary Valliant had no comment either.

Kaun has been banned from the hospital.

In the documents from the sheriff's office, Valliant signed a "trespass after notice" order against Kaun to not return to hospital grounds.