Toronto police executed warrants at a home and hospital, seized computer and other devices
A now-suspended doctor at the Hospital For Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto faces charges of possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material from Jan. 19–28 under ss. 163.1(4) and 163.1(4.1) of the Criminal Code, 1985.
According to his College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) registration information, his suspension took effect on Tuesday, the same day the Toronto Police Service laid the criminal charges against him.
On Tuesday, the CPSO’s Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee issued an interim order for the registrar to suspend the doctor’s registration certificate under s. 25.4(1) of the Health Professions Procedural Code, which is schedule 2 to Ontario’s Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991.
While working as an independent practitioner since June 2019, he held hospital privileges at SickKids, which immediately placed him on leave upon learning about the police investigation.
“We are deeply upset and dismayed by this news and condemn the behaviour alleged in the police investigation,” stated an update posted on SickKids’ website. “We understand that this news is concerning and the safety and well-being of our patients, families and staff remain our highest priority.”
CBC News reported that police officers executed search warrants at the hospital and at a private residence and took a work computer, among other electronic devices, back in February.
According to a police statement, as shared by CBC, investigators have seen no connection between the doctor’s practice and the child sexual abuse and exploitation material found, given the evidence thus far.
Suspended doctor’s background
He has specialized in pediatrics since June 2018 and in rheumatology since October 2019, as certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
He attended medical school at the University of Toronto, graduating in 2014.
Bail conditions
According to the CPSO’s website, his current practice conditions prevent him from practising medicine. Among other requirements and subject to some exceptions, his release conditions prevent him from doing the following while out on bail:
- engaging in activities where he is in a position of trust or authority over someone under 18 years old
- communicating with minors
- being alone with minors
- visiting certain locations where minors are present or can reasonably be expected to be present
- possessing sexualized images or videos of minors
- possessing or using devices with online access
- accessing social media or online messaging platforms
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