BY DAN HORN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A Children's Hospital Medical Center doctor will face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced next month for sexually molesting a 12-year-old girl.
Eric Peter Smith, suspended by the hospital earlier this month, pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of sexual battery and gross sexual imposition.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters said the charges did not involve a patient or anyone associated with the hospital. Mr. Deters said the doctor agreed to the plea because he wanted to spare the girl, who is now 15, from testifying.
The doctor was not indicted by a grand jury and instead entered a plea to information before Common Pleas Judge Melba Marsh. The judge will sentence Dr. Smith on Dec. 21.
Dr. Smith, 45, was a pediatric endocrinologist who worked with children with thyroid and diabetic problems.
Hospital officials have described him as "very well-respected" and said they were conducting their own investigation, though no evidence suggests any offenses occurred at the hospital. He was suspended when he was charged two weeks ago.
Court records say Dr. Smith told police in a taped statement that he fondled the girl. His attorney, Cathy Adams, said her client "is extremely remorseful."
