PLANTATION, Fla. — A popular South Florida pediatrician was arrested Tuesday on three child pornography charges.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office told WPLG that a tip investigators received in June led them to Dr. Michael Mizrachy.
A thorough examination of Mizrachy’s online accounts revealed a video deputies said depicts child pornography and photos of children ranging in age from 10 to 15 in swimwear and underwear, seemingly unaware they were being photographed, the TV station reported, noting those victims are believed to be friends of his daughter.
Investigators also said he was swapping inappropriate photos and communicating with a 15-year-old, WPLG reported.
Andrea Tianga, who oversees the department handling the investigation, told the Sun-Sentinel that there is no indication that the doctor engaged in any unlawful activity with children.
Mizrachy, who practiced at some point with West Broward Pediatrics in Plantation, is no longer listed on the placard outside the medical office, and the practice issued the following statement to WPLG:
“We are shocked and deeply disturbed by these accusations. Dr. Mizrachy’s employment was terminated last year, and he is no longer associated with our practice. We have no evidence that any crimes were committed in the course of his professional duties. We have been in close communication with our patient families, referral sources and others to reaffirm our absolute commitment to the health and wellbeing of our patients.”
Investigators, who have fielded panicked calls from numerous parents since news of Mizrachy’s arrest became public, told the Sun-Sentinel that at this point they have no reason to believe the doctor took pictures of patients at the doctor’s office. The materials found are believed to have been obtained online, except for those depicting acquaintances he knew outside the workplace, deputies said.
“Obviously, this person had access to children. We were definitely on top of this case,” Tianga told the newspaper. “We take this seriously.”
Online records show Mizrachy’s medical license is still active and that he has no prior discipline or public complaints on his file, WPLG reported.
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