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Anita Alvarez
Cook County State's Attorney
Communications Department
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-3423
saomedia@cookcountygov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 23, 2010

A Chicago area orthodontist appeared in bond court today to face charges for inappropriately touching a 13-year-old female patient during a routine office visit earlier this summer, according to the office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Dr. Ernest Panos, 80, of Harwood Heights, was charged with one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 Felony, for an assault that occurred in a Chicago dental office in early August 2010.  At the time of the incident the defendant was 79- years-old.  

According to prosecutors, on August 2, 2010, the 13-year-old victim, who wears braces, was driven by her mother to the defendant’s dental office located at 4849 N. Milwaukee Avenue for an exam. The victim was alone with defendant in an examination room when Panos allegedly told the victim she was “gorgeous and hot” and blew kisses at her.  

While the victim was seated in the examination chair, the defendant pressed down on her breasts with his arms and also fondled her for several minutes.  After leaving the office, while in the car with her mother, the victim told her what happened. 

A subsequent police investigation resulted in the charges filed against the defendant.  Cook County Judge Jackie Portman set bail at $200,000 for the defendant today.  The case was continued to December 13, 2010 at 26th and California for a preliminary hearing. 

The public is reminded that criminal charging documents contain allegations that are not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the state has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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