Eleazar Humberto Noriega, a 63-year old Toronto pediatrician in private practice on Yonge St. near Davisville, and currently a professor specializing in adolescent health at the University of Toronto, has a history of sexually assaulting his patients. Yet, this convicted pedophile continues to practice and to teach at a revered university.

In 2002 Dr. Noriega sexually assaulted a 17-year old female patient during two medical examinations for her chronic bronchitis. As a result the College of Physicians and Surgeons Ontario (CPSO) suspended his medical license for 18 months and banned him from examining female patients unless accompanied by a medical professional or, in the case of a child, a parent or guardian. The College does not move quickly. The crime took place in 2002. However Dr. Noriega was not disciplined until 2004.

On March 12, 2008 Dr. Noriega examined an 8-year old girl who is claiming that he sexually assaulted her. It has not been reported if a parent or guardian was present. The charges are one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference.

I want to know who is going to hold the College of Physicians and Surgeons Ontario responsible for allowing this doctor to practice. The crime here is that there should have never been a crime in the first place because Dr. Noriega should have had his medical revoked, not suspended for 18 months. When a physician is a sexual predator the punishment that we mete out should even be more severe, not less. Doctors are in a position of authority and their patients trust them. To breach that trust in such a heinous way is a terrible crime. Why did we punish it with a slap on the wrist and give him free reign to re-offend?

Let’s get this predator off the street once and for all this time. The police believe that there are other victims out there who have not come forward. If you have any information about other victims please contact the police at 416-808-2205 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS or http://www.222tips.com/