Former Frederick Pediatrician Indicted on 98 Counts

Frederick – On December 20^th, the Frederick Grand Jury indicted Ernesto Cesar Torres, age 69, of Frederick on 98 counts of sex crimes charges. In a Circuit Court bond review this afternoon, Judge Theresa Adams ordered Torres held without bond. The 98 counts relate to allegations from an additional 19 victims. All of the victims were juveniles at the time of the alleged offenses. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for January 24^th at 9am.

Torres was sentenced December 23^rd to one year in the Frederick County Adult Detention Center for 4^th Degree Sex Offense. He is currently serving that sentence. On April 26^th, 2019, the 18-year old female victim, who was a lifelong patient of Dr. Torres, went to his office on Thomas Johnson Drive for a follow-up appointment to discuss her anxiety medication. It was during this appointment that the victim reported being sexually assaulted by Torres. Torres waived his right to a jury trial in late October. Judge William R. Nicklas Jr. presided over a three-day bench trial and ultimately on November 1^st, found Torres guilty of 2^nd Degree Assault and 4^th Degree Sex Offense. A 4^th Degree Sex Offense merges with 2^nd Degree Assault and therefore the maximum penalty in this case was a 1 year sentence. Torres will receive credit for time served on home detention since May 7^th.

Additionally, Torres is scheduled for a trial to begin March 30^th. In that case, a combined 49 sex crimes charges are alleged involving 12 victims.

An indictment is a charging document alleging criminal conduct. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.