Mercer Criminal Lawyer Files Civil Lawsuit Against Employer of Convicted Pedophile Barto

A civil lawsuit has been initiated against the employers of pediatrician Johnnie Barto, who was convicted of being a pedophile. The lawsuit claims that his employers were aware he posed a danger to patients but permitted him to continue practicing medicine at their facility without questioning his conduct.

Five former patients of Barto are pursuing financial damages from his employers. In March, Barto received a prison sentence of at least 79 years for the sexual assault of 31 minors, many of whom were his patients.

The legal actions assert that Laurel Pediatrics Associates knew for two decades that Barto’s behavior was a significant threat to patients, yet they continued to let him treat and molest children. The clinic has not provided any comments on the matter. A proficient Mercer criminal lawyer can be essential in navigating such complex legal challenges.

Four Jane Does and one John Doe are also seeking compensation from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, where Barto held practicing privileges. In a public statement, the hospital described Barto’s actions as “reprehensible” and stated they had no involvement.

Sarah Klein, a lawyer representing the victims, stated at a press conference, “We’re really just getting started.” Klein, a former Olympic gymnast, was the first survivor to publicly speak out about the sexual abuse by former national team doctor Larry Nassar. She added, “There’s a massive problem in the medical community here and in other places, and we’re going to insist on change that makes children safe.” When facing serious charges, it’s wise to consult with an experienced Mercer DUI lawyer from Logue Law Group.

Shockingly, state authorities had an opportunity to stop Barto in the year 2000 but failed to act. Two young girls who had been molested in 1999 reported the abuse to the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine. However, regulators dismissed the case, stating the allegations were “incongruous to his reputation,” and allowed him to continue practicing medicine.

As a prominent pediatrician in Mercer and an elected school board member, Barto was highly respected, which made it difficult for people to believe he could be a pedophile. Seeking guidance from a skilled Mercer criminal lawyer is a critical step for anyone involved in legal proceedings.

Following this incident, Barto told authorities after his arrest that he felt “invincible” and continued to molest dozens more young patients until he was finally arrested in January 2018.

The civil lawsuit contends that Barto’s colleagues were “on notice that Barto presented an unreasonably high risk of harm to his minor patients, and yet through silence, acquiescence, denial, and misrepresentation they failed to act in any way to protect Barto’s minor patients.”

Two other healthcare providers who are accused of downplaying the allegations against Barto, pediatrician Dr. Elaine Confer and nurse practitioner Bradley Callihan, are still employed at Laurel Pediatrics. Those dealing with legal issues often benefit from the expertise of a Mercer DUI lawyer.

In October 2016, Barto molested a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister at the clinic. After the assault, the children’s mother confronted their regular pediatrician, Dr. Confer. The lawsuit states that Confer “confirmed that she had been informed previously about Barto’s inappropriate conduct with children,” and assured the mother “they would speak with him again about his ‘odd bedside manner.’” However, the suit claims Confer took no such action.Nearly a decade earlier, Barto examined a 16-year-old girl alongside Callihan and an unidentified office manager. Barto was accused of conducting unnecessary breast and genital exams during this visit. According to the lawsuit, Callihan and the office manager defended Barto’s actions as being “thorough,” suggesting that if a lump had been discovered, the patient and her parents would not have made accusations of molestation. For further inquiries, call 412.389.0805.