Pediatrician charged for sexually assaulting dozens of her female patients including some underage

May 22, 2019:

On Wednesday, a 68-year-old Maryland pediatrician is accused of sexually assaulting at least a dozen of his female patients — some of whom were underage — and authorities say the doctor’s alleged serial sex offenses date back as far as the 1980s.

Dr. Ernesto Torres, of Frederick County, was indicted by a grand jury Friday on 65 charges — including nine counts of child sex abuse — that allegedly involve “inappropriate” interactions with 11 female patients, the youngest of whom was 11 years old.

The slew of new charges come after the doctor was arrested earlier this month in connection with the rape of an 18-year-old patient. Torres was then re-arrested Monday, according to a statement from the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.

In addition to the child sex abuse charges, Torres faces 10 counts of sex abuse with a minor, 43 counts of third-degree sex offenses, two counts of second-degree sex offenses and one count of second-degree assault.

The 12 total victims were all female and were all patients of Torres, WBAL-TV reported. Investigators believe there may be more victims.

“All described inappropriate touching under their clothing. Some involved penetration, as well, so a very unfortunate, very sad set of facts,” Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith told the news station.

Torres was charged May 3 with second-degree rape and released on home detention after posting $100,000 bond.

His attorney said Monday that Torres is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair trial.

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