A Brookfield physician who pleaded no contest to felony child abuse will serve most of his punishment under supervision instead of in a prison cell. On Friday last week, a judge sentenced 49-year-old Dr. Iyad Azzam to three years of probation, starting with 30 days in jail and followed by 45 days in custody with Huber work-release privileges. The other doctor charged in the same case, Dr. Wiaam Taha, had earlier pleaded to a misdemeanor and received a sentence of time served.
Court records show Azzam entered a no-contest plea in December to two counts of felony child abuse, while four additional counts were dismissed. The three-year probation term and the short stints in jail and Huber were imposed at that time, according to FOX6 News. The outlet also reports that state licensing records list both physicians' Wisconsin credentials as lapsed in October 2025.
Prosecutors detailed a series of disturbing allegations, saying Azzam beat one child for "two hours," struck a child with a belt on the head, back, spine and hands, choked a child, threatened to shoot and at one point held a child over a railing. Prosecutors also say Taha tried to cover bruises with makeup, and that one child reported Taha hit them as well. When Brookfield police arrived, officers "confirmed signs of physical abuse," according to FOX6 News.
Professional ties and license status
Azzam is publicly listed as an interventional cardiologist affiliated with area hospitals, and his clinician profile shows a Wisconsin medical credential with a 2025 expiration date, according to Vitals. Directories describe Taha as an internal medicine physician with local practice addresses, as per AMA Find a Doctor.
Legal implications
A no-contest plea functions like a conviction for sentencing purposes, even though the defendant does not formally admit guilt. That kind of plea can affect how civil liability and professional discipline play out, legal references note. Nolo outlines the usual legal consequences of pleading no contest.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services has authority to review complaints and pursue disciplinary action involving licensed health care professionals. County officials explain that Huber work-release privileges allow an inmate to leave jail for approved employment, schooling or treatment under supervision, which is how the court structured the 45-day portion of Azzam's sentence, according to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.
What comes next
Case files, sentencing documents and related public records are maintained by the Waukesha County Circuit Court Business Center, which also handles scheduling information. Members of the public can contact the clerk's office for court dates and filings. Prosecutors and local court officials will oversee Azzam's probation and any additional conditions as he begins serving his supervised term.
