Wednesday, July 24, 2002
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Wednesday, July 24, 2002 |
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Local doctor charged with 'improper touching' By JOHN MUNFORD
A local physician accused of improperly touching several of his patients will be allowed to continue practicing medicine while he is on bond awaiting trial. Dr. Orlando Luis Cano, 64, of Riverdale, has been charged with four counts of sexual battery and one count of simple battery for improperly touching four different patients during medical exams at his office on East Lanier Avenue in Fayetteville, according to warrants for his arrest. Two of the women named in the warrants allege that Cano touched their breasts and buttocks. Another woman alleged Cano touched her breasts. A fourth woman said Cano "touched her intimate parts" during a medical exam that exceeded the consent she gave for the exam, the warrant said. She also said that he "kissed" her hand "in an insulting manner" after the exam. The incidents date back as far as June of last year, according to warrants. Cano, a gynecologist, turned himself in to the Fayette County Jail Monday. His bond was set at $20,000 by Fayette County Magistrate Judge Joe Tinsley, who declined a request from county solicitor Steve Harris to restrict Cano from practicing medicine while he awaits trial. Cano's attorney, Robert Suttles of Jonesboro, argued that the charges were brought forth by disgruntled ex-employees and that Cano had a "clean" record as a physician. Harris countered that claim with reference to an incident at Henry County General Hospital when reports of nurse harassment from Cano led to a warning from hospital officials. Cano was issued a second warning from the hospital officials after claims he was exacting retribution against the nurses who brought the original claims, Harris said. Though Harris argued Cano should be restricted from practicing medicine to protect the public, Judge Tinsley cited case law which indicates such decisions are best left up to the defendant's employer or the licensing board that regulates the defendant's profession. Tinsley said if new evidence comes to light during the investigation he would be amenable to holding a bond revocation hearing if necessary. Similar complaints against Cano have been filed with Georgia's medical licensing board after several former employees came forward with allegations, Harris told The Citizen Tuesday afternoon. Harris said he encourages other possible victims to come forward by calling Fayette County Sheriff's Det. Tracey Carroll at 770-461-5266 or his office at 770-461-4703, ext. 3420.
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