Indictment: Frederick Pediatrician Sexually Assaulted Patient

A Frederick pediatrician was arrested Tuesday morning on charges he sexually assaulted a patient, police and prosecutors said.

A grand jury returned an indictment last Friday against Dr. Ernesto Torres for second-degree rape, second-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense.

The alleged victim is an 18-year-old woman who he was examining at the time. Police began their investigation on April 26.

Torres, 68, was arrested at his home in the 7600 block of San De Gan Drive in Frederick and taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center, where he was awaiting a court commissioner appearance as of Tuesday morning.

"We understand that this is an emotional incident that not only affects the victim in this case but also patients and families entrusted to his care," the Frederick County State's Attorney's Office and Frederick police said in a statement.

Authorities don't believe there are other victims, but encourage parents to talk to their children about boundaries and safety. More resources for victims of sexual assault are available online, as well as locally from the Heartly House and the Child Advocacy Center. The Frederick Police Department's Victim Services Unit can be reached at 301-600-1356.