70-Year-Old Ex-Pediatrician Faces 98 Sex Abuse Charges, Incompetent To Stand Trial

An elderly Maryland pediatrician, who is facing 98 sex charges, is incompetent to stand trial partly because he believes in an “Evil Black Witch.”

Dr. Ernesto Torres allegedly molested 19 minors from 2001 to 2019. This resulted in a 98-count indictment against him in December 2019. The 70-year-old, who was already in prison for sexually assaulting a female patient, is being held at a hospital, reported New York Daily News.

But now prosecutors and defense attorneys are engaged in a battle over his ability to stand trial. According to a psychiatrist with the Maryland Department of Health, Torres was competent enough to understand the nature of the court proceedings. But the defendant’s psychiatrist disagreed, and said that he was incompetent “due to a delusional disorder and belief in an Evil Black Witch." Torres reportedly believes that a witch stepped out of a painting and took hold of his life.

A hearing was held on Wednesday before Circuit Court Judge Julie Stevenson Solt to figure out Torres' competency, reported ABC7. The court concluded that both the opinions are equally possible and so could not conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Torres is presently competent to stand trial. The court ordered that Torres continue to be held in the hospital under supervision. The court will review his competency in 90 days. He also has to face annual competency reviews.

Prosecutors were not satisfied with the ruling. “It’s very frustrating that these countless victims won’t be able to confront the Defendant and have their day in court,” Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said in a statement. “It often provides some closure and assists in the healing process. With this ruling, that avenue is closed. We still feel strongly that he is competent and fully understands the abuse that he inflicted," he added.

Since 1979, Torres had been practicing in Frederick. His medical license has been suspended. The December 2019 indictment came right after Torres was sentenced to a year in jail for sexually assaulting a patient who had gone to his office to talk about her anxiety medication. Later, more victims came forward.

Torres was found incompetent to stand trial in April 2020, reported The Frederick News-Post. "Competency is defined as a defendant’s capability to assist counsel in preparing a defense and to understand the nature of the proceedings," said a release from the Frederick County State's Attorney's Office.