'Sick' pediatrician pleads guilty to sexually abusing children

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A Western Pennsylvania pediatrician accused of sexually abusing dozens of children pleaded guilty Thursday to multiple counts of indecent assault and other crimes.

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Dr. Johnnie Barto, 71, of Johnstown was charged in January, March, April and July for abusing minors, including members of his family.

Barto pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and endangering the welfare of children, according to the state attorney general’s office.

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Many of those crimes took place in examination rooms at Cambria County hospitals, authorities said. Victims were children of both sexes, mostly ages 8-12, although one was a two-week-old infant.

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“Dr. Johnnie Barto used his position of authority –  as the pediatrician who families relied on – to feed his own sick desires and take advantage of parents and children seeking basic health care,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

Barto is in jail and will be sentenced in 90 days.

Cox Media Group