Utah pediatrician arrested, accused of having child porn

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:30:17 GMT — A Davis County, Utah pediatrician was arrested and jailed Friday after police discovered hundreds of child pornographic images on his home computer, authorities said. Dr. Taylor Jerman was trusted in his profession to help treat children, but now the pediatrician has been accused of sexual exploitation involving kids."[Police] found images on his personal computer of child pornography," Clearfield Police Dept. Asst. Chief Mike Stenquist told KUTV. "From what I understand, at this point, there are hundreds [of images]."Overnight Thursday, Internet investigators served a search warrant at Jerman's apartment. Officers seized his personal computer and arrested the 34-year-old physician.Sgt. Stenquist said, at the current time, there is no evidence that links the child porn images to Jerman's medical practice."It's all on his personal computer," he said.Authorities also visited an Intermountain Healthcare clinic in Layton, where Jerman has worked since February."We are deeply concerned by these allegations," Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) spokesperson Chris Dallin told KUTV. "He has been suspended, pending the outcome of an investigation."The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) -- which oversees a range of professions, including physicians -- said it is "investigating the case and is currently reviewing its options with regards to Dr. Jerman's licenses."

According to the DOPL, prior to Friday's arrest Jerman had not had any disciplinary actions taken against him.

Jerman graduated from the St. Louis University School of Medicine in 2009, and according to IHC, he was a resident physician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from 2009 to 2012. He also apparently served a three month stint as an adjunct instructor at the University of Utah.

To achieve his position at the IHC clinic, get a medical license, and even to live in his apartment, Jerman apparently cleared a series of background checks.An inmate roster website for the Davis County Jail said Jerman's "bondable" bail is $200,000, which means he could get out of jail with $20,000 out his pocket.