A former pediatrician in Maryland has been handed a 30-year prison sentence for sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl, after claiming that “demonic entities” were responsible for his victims lying about him. Ernesto Cesar Torres, 74, was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor and three counts of third-degree sex offense back in March, reported by CBS News. The sentencing took place on Monday, Dec. 8, with Torres receiving credit for the 2,087 days he has already served, as confirmed by the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.
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The case came to light in May 2019 when the mother of the 11-year-old girl reported to the police that her child had been sexually abused during a pediatric examination at Torres’ office. The incident occurred when the mother had taken her child to the doctor for a mild skin condition, and the child later revealed feeling uncomfortable as Torres placed his hand down her pants and touched her inappropriately, as stated in the press release. The girl also disclosed that Torres had rubbed her stomach, kissed her, and made her feel uneasy, prompting the family to switch pediatricians following the incident.
Subsequently, the Frederick Police Department engaged Child Protective Services and the Child Advocacy Center to conduct a forensic interview with the victim. During the interview, the child recounted how Torres had touched her genitals with his hand, which led to his arrest. As the investigation unfolded in 2019, it was revealed that there were at least 24 victims, all young female patients from Torres’ medical practice in Frederick, with instances of abuse spanning from 1980 to 2018.
Despite facing over 97 criminal charges related to sexually abusing numerous juvenile patients, the court decided to proceed with one indictment at a time based on victims. This decision resulted in Torres being sentenced to 30 years in prison, as prosecutors shared in the press release. Frederick County State’s Attorney, Charlie Smith, expressed his determination to prosecute the remaining cases to ensure Torres is held accountable for his actions and serve an extended period behind bars.
During the trial, Torres made shocking claims, asserting that he was possessed by a witch and blaming “demonic entities” for manipulating the young girls into fabricating lies about him. Smith condemned Torres’ lack of remorse and insensitivity towards the victims, noting that the former pediatrician’s actions had caused significant trauma to the survivors. The court heard emotional testimonies from the victim and her mother, outlining the lasting impact of the abuse and betrayal of trust they experienced.
Upon his release, Torres will be required to register as a sex offender for life and undergo five years of supervised probation. Smith commended the perseverance shown by the victim and prosecutors throughout the case, highlighting the importance of seeking justice for the victims. He also urged any other potential victims who have not yet come forward to reach out to the authorities, indicating a willingness to address additional cases despite Torres’ age and existing sentence.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Ernesto Cesar Torres serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The bravery of the victims in sharing their harrowing experiences and the dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors in pursuing justice demonstrate a collective commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and seeking closure for those affected by such heinous crimes.