Wexner Medical Center doctor facing child pornography charges

Alexandria Chapin
Mon, 21 Oct 2013 03:06:31 +0000
Campus, ohio state, osu

A pediatric director at the James Cancer Hospital is pleading guilty to downloading child pornography onto an Ohio State computer.

Dr. Christopher Pelloski, the former director of OSU’s pediatric cancer radiation program at the Wexner Medical Center James Comprehensive Cancer Center, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of accessing digital files intending to view child pornography, according to documents filed in federal court Oct. 8.

According to a U.S. District Court Affidavit, the Franklin County Special Investigations Unit was conducting child enticement and child pornography investigations as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The investigation led detectives to a computer’s IP address that traced back to Pelloski’s residence in Upper Arlington. Pelloski’s residence was served with a search warrant on July 16, resulting in numerous computers and digital media being taken from the residence.

Pelloski admitted to detectives he was responsible for downloading child pornography onto a computer seized at his residence as well as a laptop owned by Ohio State. During a forensic examination, 25 images of child pornography and more than 100 link files to child pornography were discovered. Pelloski turned himself in to law enforcement authorities July 24 after the federal complaint was filed.

Pelloski’s license to practice medicine in Ohio was suspended indefinitely as of Aug. 14, according to a release from the State Medical Board of Ohio.

The Wexner Medical Center issued a statement after the allegations surfaced in July.

“These types of actions are wholly inconsistent with our institutional values, and we are deeply disturbed to learn of the allegations against Christopher Pelloski. Upon learning of the investigation, we immediately severed Dr. Pelloski’s access to all medical center facilities, patient records, email and hospital computer networks. He has resigned from his position at the medical center, effective July 24,” the statement read.

Pelloski also had consulting privileges at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Both the Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital assigned Pelloski’s patients to other oncologists, according to the Medical Center statement.

A spokeswoman for The James said the center cannot comment because the case is an ongoing judicial matter.

Pelloski was ordered to house arrest as he awaits sentencing. If convicted, Pelloski could face five to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Pelloski’s attorney, Steven Palmer, was not available for comment Friday.