Former UPMC Children’s Hospital doctor charged with child sex crimes

PITTSBURGH — A former doctor at UPMC Children’s Hospital has been charged with child sex crimes.

Ashok Panigrahy, 53, is charged with transporting and possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, the Department of Justice said.

Panigrahy was radiologist-in-chief and a John F. Caffey Endowed Chair in pediatric radiology with UPMC.

Earlier this year, Panigrahy won a prestigious award from the American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology.

Channel 11 has confirmed the doctor is now facing federal child sex crimes — after investigators say he had child porn that included images and videos of children under the age of 12 years old.

Parents of patients were disturbed when they heard about the charges.

“Appalling. Unforgivable. That’s just disgusting as all,” Betty Jo Jerome told Channel 11.

According to investigators, agents searched his computer and iPhone.

I asked UPMC officials if there was any indication that the victim in this case was a hospital patient. They have not responded to that question.

“[I’m] scared. My son is in the neurology. He’s been getting MRIs and CT scans constantly. That really freaks me out because you’re not back there with them,” Leah McCoy said.

UPMC told Channel 11, the doctor had been on administrative leave since November when they learned about the investigation, and was eventually charged.

“Good riddance. You don’t need that in there. Especially with what parents are already going through,” McCoy added.

UPMC officials said Panigrahy was placed on administrative leave in November after the company learned about the investigation. His employment was then terminated.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group