HARRISBURG —Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that a Johnstown pediatrician waived his right to a preliminary hearing this morning on new charges brought in July for the sexual abuse of 29 more children. The pediatrician was previously charged in January, March and April for similar crimes against another patient and two family relatives.
Dr. Johnnie Barto, 70, of Delta Drive, Johnstown, was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault, both felonies in the first degree, in addition to multiple counts of indecent assault and endangering the welfare of children. Barto is currently incarcerated on charges related to the other assaults. His medical license has been suspended.
“As more victims come forward, the horrendous scope and scale of Barto’s crimes continues to unfold,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “I want to applaud the victims who continue to find the bravery to come forward and tell their stories of being assaulted by this doctor. We will not stop working this case until we have obtained justice for as many people as possible. We’ll pursue every allegation of child sexual abuse wherever we find it.”
The vast majority of these assaults committed by Barto occurred in the examination room at Laurel Pediatric Associates of Cambria County and at local hospitals. Victims in this latest round of charges included boys and girls, many aged 8 to 12 years old, with two being as young as a toddler and a two-week-old infant.
Anyone with information related to the investigation of Barto should contact the Office of Attorney’s special hotline for the Barto case at 412-565-7680 or Richland Township Police at 814-266-8333. Individuals who suspect an online predator or abuse can also send anonymous tips by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.
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