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State Board Wins Interim Suspension of LA Veterinarian's License

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Consumer Affairs' Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) has won an interim license suspension order against a veterinarian accused of molesting a child at the Los Angeles hospital where he works.

"Because of the seriousness of the charge, the Board felt it was in the best interest of consumer safety to suspend the doctor's license while the matter is decided in court," said Susan Geranen, the VMB's Executive Officer.

Dr. Jorge Fernando Torres pleaded not guilty in June in Los Angeles County Superior Court to a felony charge of committing a lewd act with a child under 14. The incident allegedly occurred in March 2005 at Lynwood Dog & Cat Hospital, where he was employed. He has been free on $100,000 bail since his arrest last year.

At the request of the VMB, the state Attorney General's Office filed a motion to suspend Dr. Torres' medical license pending resolution of the criminal case. The court granted the motion July 7, following oral arguments. Dr. Torres' trial is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 24.

If Dr. Torres is found guilty, the VMB will consider further disciplinary action, up to and including revocation of his license, Geranen said.

Dr. Torres has been licensed as a veterinarian in California since 1980 and has not been the subject of disciplinary action before.

The mission of the Department of Consumer Affairs' VMB is to provide protection for consumers and animals through proper licensing of veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians, and through vigorous, objective enforcement of the California Veterinary Practice Act. Learn more on the Board's Web site at www.vmb.ca.gov.

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