Authorities say he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman who was a patient.
Frederick, Md (KM). A Frederick pediatrician has been indicted by the Grand Jury for sexually assaulting a 18-year-old woman who was one of his patients. . Dr. Ernesto Torres, 68, was charged by the panel last week with 2nd-degree rape, 2nd-degree assault and 4th-degree sex offense.
“They stemmed out of an investigation that began back in April in 2019,” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. “There were allegations an 18-year-old female was molested during an examination at his medical practice. This young lady had been a patient of Dr. Torres for many years.”
The indictments were returned by the Grand Jury last week. An arrest warrant was issued for Dr. Torres. Frederick Police apprehended Torres on Tuesday, May 7th at 7:30 AM at his home in the 7600 block of San Di Gan Drive. He was taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center for processing.
“The allegations are that during this physical examination, he went below the waistline, conducted himself inappropriately and, of course, that’s what the 2nd-degree rape and 2nd-degree assault charges stem out of,” Smith says.
So far, no other victims have come forward.. But Smith encourages anyone who has been sexually assaulted to seek help. “These are very difficult times to come forward. These people feel like sometimes they shamed their families, or they’ve shamed themselves. That’s not the case. We encourage you to come forward. There’s great victim resources at the Frederick Police Department.; There’s great victim resources at here at the State’s Attorney’s Office. And we’d certainly be available to provide support,” he says.
The number to call at the State’s Attorney’s Office is 301-600-1356.
He also says parents need to talk with their children about the other adults in their lives, and which parts of their bodies are off limits. “Whether it’s a coach or a doctor, or anybody who stands in close relationship with their child, make sure they’re aware of their body boundaries, ” says Smith. . “Their safety is always something that’s paramount.”
The State’s Attorney’s Office says an indictment is not a finding of guilt, and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
By Kevin McManus
Dr. Ernesto Torres