A Warren family doctor accused of inappropriately touching a 55-year-old female patient last year had his sexual imposition charge dismissed in Warren Municipal Court.

Dr. Richard A. Hart, 64, whose practice is on Perkinswood Boulevard NE, had faced a maximum 60-day jail sentence and a maximum $500 fine if found guilty of the third-degree misdemeanor.

Judge Terry Ivanchak, however, dismissed the case based on a motion by prosecutors because of a lack of evidence, according to a Jan. 5 court filing.

The court docket shows that a pretrial hearing for Hart set for Dec. 28 was postponed at the request of the attorneys representing the female patient, a Beal Street woman. As a condition of his bond, which Hart posted on Sept. 29, 2022, the doctor was not allowed to have contact with the woman.

In his motion to dismiss, prosecuting attorney Lewis Guarnieri said the woman doesn’t know the date of the alleged incident, and there was no corroborating evidence to support the woman’s claims.

In his Warren office on Friday afternoon, Hart talked about the charges that were filed against him.

“In 35 years of practice, nobody in my office or at the hospitals where I have worked has ever been touched inappropriately, and nobody ever will be touched inappropriately,” the doctor said.

Hart said he believes the case against him was brought about because of “retaliation.” He also said he wants to thank the patients who supported him through this ordeal.

“I would like to thank the 500-plus patients who voluntarily called us and stated that they would act as character witnesses if the case ever proceeded to court,” Hart said, also thanking his attorneys Matt Blair and Michael B. Bowler. “For a physician like myself, if this case went against me, it would have had great ramifications, including the potential revocation of my license to practice medicine.”

The doctor also talked about the discomforts his five children went through in the past few months.

“Although my children were confronted with many uncomfortable moments, my children are strong,” he said. “My one rule in our house is that we will get through any problem or situation that we are confronted with in life. We will stand together, stand strong and go full speed ahead.”

Hart said now that “this distraction” is behind him, he can fully focus on his medical practice and the well-being of his patients.

“I want to help them live a better and longer life,” Hart said.