Ernesto Cesar Torres, 74, a former pediatrician in Frederick County, Maryland, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after convictions for sexually abusing an 11-year-old patient. Authorities say the investigation identified at least 24 potential victims and alleged incidents spanning roughly 1980–2018. Torres received credit for 2,087 days served, must register as a sex offender for life, and will serve five years of supervised probation. Prosecutors said they will pursue additional charges and urged other possible victims to come forward.
Former Frederick County Pediatrician Sentenced to 30 Years After Conviction in Child Abuse Case
State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County, Maryland
Ernesto Cesar Torres, 74, a former pediatrician in Frederick County, Maryland, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing an 11-year-old patient and related offenses. The Frederick County State's Attorney's Office said Torres received credit for 2,087 days already served.
Investigation and Allegations
The investigation began in May 2019 when the mother of an 11-year-old girl reported that her daughter had been abused during a routine exam in Torres' office. According to prosecutors, the child said Torres put his hand inside her pants, touched her genitals, rubbed her stomach and kissed her. A forensic interview conducted by the Child Advocacy Center corroborated the child's account.
Following the initial complaint, authorities identified at least 24 young female patients from Torres' Frederick practice who may have been abused. Prosecutors say the alleged misconduct spanned roughly from 1980 through 2018. Authorities ultimately charged Torres with more than 97 criminal counts; the indictment was later severed by victim so the state could proceed with individual prosecutions.
Trial, Sentencing and Defense Claims
Torres was convicted in March on charges including sexual abuse of a minor and multiple counts of third-degree sex offense. At sentencing, Torres reportedly denied responsibility, offering extraordinary explanations—at times claiming demonic possession, a witch, or prior-life experiences—which prosecutors described as egregious and retraumatizing to victims.
"I now can’t trust male authority. My childhood was taken away from me," the victim told the court during sentencing, according to the state’s attorney's release.
The victim's mother told the court she had trusted Torres for years and was devastated to learn what her child experienced. Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith described Torres' actions as "bold and brazen" and said prosecutors intend to continue pursuing additional cases and consecutive sentences where appropriate.
Penalties and Next Steps
In addition to the 30-year prison term and credit for time served, Torres must register as a sex offender for life and will serve five years of supervised probation upon release. Prosecutors encouraged anyone who believes they may have been abused by Torres to contact law enforcement; the state’s attorney said the office is prepared to review and pursue additional cases regardless of the defendant's age.
Local and national outlets, including CBS News and People, covered the case. Prosecutors and advocates emphasized the importance of reporting and supporting survivors as investigations continue.
