Pediatrician Who Claimed ‘Demonic Entities’ Made Victims Lie About Sex Abuse Sentenced

by Dr Natalie Singh - Health Editor
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NEED TO KNOW

Table of Contents

  • Ernesto Cesar Torres, 74, was convicted in March of sexual abuse of a minor and three counts of third-degree sex offense
  • The case began in 2019 after an 11-year-old reported he put his hand down her pants and touched her during a pediatric exam
  • Prosecutors say the abuse spanned four decades, wiht CBS reporting it began in 1980

A former Maryland pediatrician who claimed “demonic entities” were making his young patients lie about him has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl.

Ernesto Cesar Torres, 74, was found guilty in March of sexual abuse of a minor and three counts of third-degree sex offense, CBS news reported. He was sentenced to 30 years on Monday, Dec. 8, and “received credit for the 2,087 days already served,” according to a press release from the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Police were alerted in May 2019 after the girl’s mother reported that her child had been sexually abused during a pediatric exam in Torres’ office, the release states. The mother had brought her child to the doctor for a mild skin condition,and the child later told her that he “made her uncomfortable by placing his hand down her pants and touching her ‘down there,'” per the release.

The girl also saeid Torres rubbed her stomach and kissed her, according to prosecutors, who claim the family changed pediatricians after the girl reported feeling uncomfortable.

The frederick Police Department contacted Child Protective Services and the Child Advocacy Center which conducted a forensic interview with the victim — during which the child said Torres put his hands down her pants and rubbed “her vaginal area with his palm and fingers,” the release states.

He was afterward arrested.

Throughout the 2019 investigation, authorities found that there were at least 24 victims — all young, female patients from Torres’ medical practice in Frederick — and that the abuse dated from 1980 to 2018, CBS reported.

After the initial allegation against Torres,a judge allowed the pediatrician to continue seeing patients,but he later agreed to stop practicing medicine as part of the terms of his bail in 2019,according to the outlet.

Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith told CBS-affiliated WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren that the allegations were “astounding,” per the outlet. “Some of the parents said they thought he was doing an abdominal sort of survey. Meanwhile, he had his hand down her pants and was committing a sex offense right in front of the mother. So, he was definitely bold and brazen in what he did,” he added.

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Torres faced over 97 criminal charges of sexually abusing dozens of his juvenile patients, but the court ordered the indictment be severed by victim and the state proceeded accordingly — which ultimately led to his 30-year sentence, prosecutors said in the press release.

“We’re looking forward to prosecuting the othre cases and getting consecutive sentences so that the number of years he has to serve is going to be far longer than the number of days he has left on this Earth,” Smith told CBS. “We’re in talks with the parents and the young ladies right now. We have every intention to make sure he’s held responsible for the remaining victims.”

At one point, Torres claimed he was possessed by a witch, according to the outlet, which cited the state’s attorney. Smith told the outlet that Torres showed no remorse at sentencing

Former Youth Sports Coach sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Abuse

A former youth sports coach, identified as Michael Torres, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing a child. The sentencing, handed down recently, also includes a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender and five years of supervised probation upon his release. The case, lauded by prosecutors as a testament to perseverance, highlights the ongoing efforts to bring child predators to justice.

Details of the Case and Sentencing

The sentencing follows a resolute prosecution,praised by State’s Attorney Smith,who emphasized the unwavering commitment of both the victim and the legal team. “[This] is truly a story of perseverance both by the victim and the prosecutors,” Smith stated in a press release. “Neither would be discouraged or dissuaded, and now this child predator will spend 25 more years in jail.” Smith further described the defendant’s statements at sentencing as “one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever endured in a courtroom,” characterizing his actions as “demonic.”

Potential for Additional Victims

Authorities believe Torres may have additional victims who have not yet come forward. State’s Attorney Smith urged anyone with information to contact the authorities, stating, “We are willing to take a look at these cases and charge them despite his age, despite the sentence. We think they need to have justice.” This proactive approach underscores a commitment to pursuing justice for all potential victims, irrespective of the time elapsed.

Resources for Victims of sexual Abuse

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, there are resources available to help. Here are some organizations that offer support and assistance:

* RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE or https://www.rainn.org
* The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or https://www.missingkids.org/
* Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453 or https://www.childhelp.org/

Key Takeaways:

* Michael Torres was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing a child.
* He will be required to register as a sex offender for life and serve five years of supervised probation after release.
* Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging them to come forward.
* Numerous resources are available for victims of sexual abuse.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of protecting children. The prosperous prosecution and sentencing demonstrate a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for victims. Continued vigilance and support for victims are crucial in preventing future harm.

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