A physician at Springfield, Mass.-based Baystate Health faces a federal charge of possession of child pornography and allegations of recording patient exams after an earlier arrest due to a related state investigation.
Mark Keroack, MD, president and CEO of Baystate Health, told patients, families, employees and local residents that allegations that a physician who saw patients at the health system recorded children during exams are "heartbreaking and horrifying."
"While the investigation into this issue is in its early stages and there is much we do not know, Baystate Health is fully supporting law enforcement in its investigation," Dr. Keroack wrote in a letter posted on the health system's website. "We also immediately placed the physician on unpaid administrative leave upon learning of law enforcement's concerns."
Dr. Bradford Ferrick, 32, was arrested March 14 and charged with one count of possession of child pornography, according to the Justice Department.
Dr. Ferrick saw patients since July 2022 at Baystate Health locations in Greenfield, Deerfield and Springfield, Mass.
The Justice Department said it is alleged that on Feb. 13, authorities seized about 61 devices — including external hard drives, computers, cell phones, hidden camera systems and SD cards — from Dr. Ferrick's Winchester, Mass., home. State investigators allege that the devices contained thousands of images and videos of suspected child pornography. Dr. Ferrick was arrested by state authorities and released on home confinement after posting bail.
On Feb. 17, 11 additional devices were seized from his home, which state investigators allege revealed images and videos depicting child pornography of victims who appear to be between the ages of 6 and 11.
On Feb. 21, eight additional devices, including multiple hidden camera devices and USB storage devices, were seized from a separate residence Dr. Ferrick was renting in Amherst, Mass., according to the Justice Department.
"It is alleged that one of the hidden camera devices — which was designed to be worn as a bracelet — was found to contain at least two surreptitiously recorded videos of Ferrick administering medical exams," the department said. "It is alleged that two minors who investigators believe to be patients could be heard and, at times, partially seen in the videos. Forensic review of the devices seized at both residences remains ongoing."
On March 14, Dr. Ferrick did not enter a plea, court records show, according to masslive.com. On March 21, Dr. Ferrick waived his right for a probable cause and detention hearing, and will remain in federal custody pending trial, according to the website.
Dr. Keroack, in his letter, said: "Though it remains unclear where the images found by law enforcement originated, we know that members of our patient community may have questions or concerns. To both support the law enforcement investigation and the health of our community, we have been advised that concerned individuals should first contact representatives from the United States Attorney's Office, which is handling this matter. From there, individuals will be directed to appropriate health and support resources."
He also said Baystate Health policies "require a guardian to be present during clinical encounters and have other protective measures. In addition, every provider undergoes extensive vetting, including reference and background checks, local and national criminal review, verification of education and training, and confirmation of credentials. We are nonetheless reexamining those policies to ensure they reflect best practices. We also are reviewing policies related to recording images during clinical encounters."