FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2019: 4:00 pm
UPDATE: Frederick Pediatrician, Dr. Ernesto Torres Bond Status
FREDERICK, MD – On today’s date at 2 pm, Dr. Ernesto Torres appeared before Frederick Circuit Court for a Bond Review. The Honorable Judge Martz-Fisher set the bond in the amount of $100,000 secured with the conditions of home detention, no unsupervised contact with patients or minors, and to surrender his passport.
The State’s Attorney’s Office presented information regarding potential additional victims in this case. The Frederick Police Department is conducting additional interviews at this time. If you believe your child may have been a victim, please contact Detective Sean McKinney at (240) 578-5683. The Frederick Police Department Victim Service’s Unit is also available to provide support and they can be reached at (301) 600-1356.
In response to the outcome of the Bond Review, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated,” We believe based on the allegations that Dr. Torres poses a significant threat to the public, which is why we requested he be held without bond. To date, we have had 11 additional potential victims come forward. We will review each one independently of the other to determine whether they are sufficient to charge. We again encourage anyone with information regarding the case to contact authorities immediately.”
Both agencies are encouraging parents to talk to your children about body boundaries and safety. In understanding that these are difficult conversations to be had; The Frederick Police Department along with the State’s Attorney’s Office will be holding a Community Conversation on ‘How to Have Uncomfortable Conversations with your Children”. The presentation is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 at 7 pm in the Frederick City Annex (140 West Patrick Street). This Community Conversation, geared for parents will feature guest speakers from our community who are experts in having difficult conversations with children, as well as Frederick State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. This presentation will be open to the public. More information on this presentation will be available shortly.
Media Contacts:
Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office Will Cockey (301) 600-2972 / (443) 413-4385
Frederick Police Department Michele Bowman (301) 600-2091 / (240) 446-4912
ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE
May 7, 2019
Grand Jury Indicts Frederick Pediatrician, Dr. Ernesto Torres for Sex Offenses
FREDERICK, MD - On April 26, 2019, the Frederick Police Department began an investigation into the allegations that a Frederick Pediatrician, Dr. Ernesto Torres, sexually assaulted an 18-year-old female during an examination at his medical practice. Charges were recommended to the States Attorney’s Office which was then presented to the Grand Jury on May 3, 2019. The Grand Jury found there was sufficient evidence to charge Dr. Ernesto Torres with 2nd Degree Rape, 2nd Degree Assault, and 4th Degree Sex Offense.
Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued for Dr, Ernesto Torres, age 68, of Frederick, Maryland. On Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 7:30 am, Dr. Torres was arrested at his residence, 7600 block of San Di Gan Drive, Frederick, Maryland and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center where he is being held awaiting an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.
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. Both the States Attorney’s Office and the Frederick Police Department would like to commend the victim for coming forward in this case.
There is no information to indicate that there are additional victims, but we would encourage parents to please talk to your children about body boundaries and safety. There are many resources available online and locally that provide tips on having these conversations. Local resources are available for victims of sexual assault including Heartly House and the Child Advocacy Center. Additionally, the Frederick Police Department’s Victim Services Unit will be available to provide support. To contact the unit, please call (301) 600-1356.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It is merely a formal charge until and if the defendant is found guilty in a future judicial proceeding. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
FPD Case #: 2019-034820
Officer: Detective Sean McKinney
Media Contacts:
Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office Will Cockey (301) 600-2972 / (443) 413-4385
Frederick Police Department Michele Bowman (301) 600-2091 / (240) 446-4912