Cadiz Sex Abuse Lawyer Takes Legal Action Against Barto’s Employers

Introduction

A civil lawsuit has been launched against the employers of Dr. Johnnie Barto, a notorious pedophile pediatrician, for allegedly allowing him to continue practicing despite knowing the risks he posed to patients.

Legal Action Details

Plaintiffs and Compensation Sought

• Five former patients of Barto are pursuing financial compensation from his employers.
• Barto was sentenced in March to a minimum of 79 years in prison for sexually assaulting 31 minors, many of whom were his patients.

Allegations Against Laurel Pediatrics Associates

• The lawsuit alleges that Laurel Pediatrics Associates was aware for over two decades that Barto was a serious threat to patients but still permitted him to practice and mistreat children.
• The clinic has not provided any comment regarding these allegations.

Demands from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center

• Four Jane Does and one John Doe are seeking compensation from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, where Barto had medical privileges.
• The hospital released a statement condemning Barto’s behavior, emphasizing their non-involvement in his actions.

Statements from Legal Representatives

Sarah Klein, a Cadiz sex abuse lawyer and former Olympic gymnast, expressed the following at a press conference:

• “We’re really just getting started.”
• Klein, a survivor of sexual abuse by former national team doctor Larry Nassar, highlighted the systemic problem in the medical community and the need for child safety reforms.

Failure of State Authorities and Subsequent Developments

Early Warnings Ignored

• In 2000, despite warnings, state authorities failed to act when two young girls reported molestation by Barto in 1999.
• The Pennsylvania Board of Medicine dismissed the case, citing lack of congruence with Barto’s reputation, and allowed him to continue practicing.

Barto’s Perceived Invincibility

• A respected figure in Cadiz, known as a pediatrician and school board member, Barto felt “invincible” after his charges were ignored, continuing his offenses until his arrest in January 2018.

Allegations of Employer Negligence

The civil lawsuit claims:

• Barto’s colleagues were aware of the significant risks he posed but failed to protect his minor patients due to silence, acquiescence, denial, and misrepresentation.

Ongoing Concerns

Other Medical Professionals Involved

• Dr. Elaine Confer and nurse practitioner Bradley Callihan, who minimized allegations against Barto, are still employed at Laurel Pediatrics.

Further Incidents and Allegations

• In October 2016, Barto reportedly molested a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister. Their mother confronted Confer, who acknowledged prior knowledge of Barto’s misconduct but took no action.
• A decade earlier, Barto conducted unnecessary exams on a 16-year-old girl, witnessed by Callihan and an office manager. They defended Barto’s actions as thoroughness, dismissing the molestation claims.

Conclusion  

The ongoing legal proceedings underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic change within the medical community to protect vulnerable patients from similar abuse.

If you or your loved ones have endured such traumatic experiences and are ready to seek justice, contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group at  (330) 992-3036. Our Cadiz criminal lawyer is committed to supporting you through this challenging time.