GERMANTOWN, Md. – A 50-year-old oral surgeon from Germantown, Maryland, was sentenced to 45 years in prison after being convicted of supplying and administering powerful drugs to his girlfriend, leading to her death. The victim, Sarah Harris, was found dead at the surgeon’s home in January 2022.
During the sentencing hearing in Montgomery County Circuit Court, Harris’ family referred to James Ryan as a “monster” and “predator,” accusing him of leading her down a road of addiction that ultimately resulted in her death. The family’s emotional statements aimed to hold Ryan accountable for the devastating impact he caused.
Ryan was convicted of murder in August for providing drugs to Harris, resulting in her death. The drugs included ketamine, Propofol, and diazepam, leading to her fatal intoxication. Prosecutors argued that Ryan demonstrated an extreme indifference to Harris’ life by continuously supplying her with drugs, despite her worsening health and declining weight.
The court also heard that Harris had been working for Ryan and entered into a relationship with him after being a patient at his office in Germantown. The sentencing included several impact statements from Harris’ family members, expressing their grief and loss, ultimately leading to the judge delivering the 45-year sentence to Ryan for his role in Harris’ death.
Throughout the sentencing process, Ryan expressed remorse for his actions and his role in Harris’ tragic death. However, Judge Cheryl McCally emphasized that while Ryan may not have intended to kill Harris, his actions ultimately initiated the series of events that led to her untimely demise. In the end, the judge held Ryan accountable for the deadly consequences of his actions, highlighting the oath he took as a medical professional to “do no harm.”
In conclusion, the sentencing of the oral surgeon in Germantown, Maryland, to 45 years in prison for providing drugs that led to the death of his girlfriend, Sarah Harris, marked a tragic end to a case that showcased the devastating impact of drug addiction and the legal consequences for those involved.