Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Employers of Steubenville Pediatrician Johnnie Barto

Employers Accused of Ignoring Abuse

A civil lawsuit is currently targeting the employers of pedophile pediatrician Johnnie Barto. The suit claims that they were fully aware of the threat he posed to patients, yet they permitted him to continue practicing medicine at their facility without questioning his inappropriate behavior.

Seeking Financial Compensation

Currently, five former patients are demanding financial restitution from his employers. Earlier in March, Barto received a prison sentence of at least 79 years after being convicted of sexually assaulting 31 minors, many of whom were his students. If you or a loved one are facing legal matters in the area, consulting a Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you understand your rights. The formal complaint alleges that Laurel Pediatrics Associates knew for two decades that Barto was a severe danger to patients. Despite this knowledge, they allowed him to both treat and abuse these children. The clinic has not provided any comments regarding the situation.

Statements from the Medical Center

Additionally, four Jane Does and one John Doe are pursuing compensation from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, where Barto held practicing privileges. The hospital released a statement condemning Barto’s actions as reprehensible, claiming they had no involvement. Sarah Klein, a sex abuse attorney, stated at a recent press conference, “We’re really just getting started.” Klein, a former Olympic gymnast and the first recognized survivor of former national team doctor Larry Nassar, emphasized the need for change. For completely unrelated charges or legal defense, a Steubenville OVI attorney can offer professional guidance. Klein noted, “There’s a massive problem in the medical community here and in other places, and we’re going to insist on change that makes children safe.”

Missed Opportunities to Stop the Abuse

Shockingly, state authorities in Ohio missed a crucial opportunity to stop Barto back in 2000. Two young girls abused in 1999 reported him to the Ohio Board of Medicine. However, regulators dismissed the case, stating the claims were “incongruous to his reputation,” and permitted him to keep practicing. Because he was a prominent pediatrician in Steubenville and an elected school board member, he commanded respect, leading many to disbelieve the allegations. Finding the right Steubenville criminal lawyer is crucial when holding powerful figures or institutions accountable. After avoiding discipline, Barto told authorities following his January 2018 arrest that he felt “invincible,” which emboldened him to continue abusing at least a dozen more young patients.

Colleagues Implicated in the Lawsuit

The lawsuit asserts that Barto’s colleagues knew he posed an “unreasonably high risk of harm,” yet failed to protect the minors through their silence and denial. Two specific providers at Laurel Pediatrics—pediatrician Dr. Elaine Confer and nurse practitioner Bradley Callihan—are accused of minimizing the allegations.

Specific Incidents Ignored

• October 2016 Incident: Barto abused a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister. When the mother confronted Dr. Confer, the lawsuit claims Confer admitted she knew of Barto’s “inappropriate conduct” and promised to address his “odd bedside manner.” However, no action was taken.
• A Decade Ago: Barto performed unnecessary breast and genital exams on a 16-year-old girl in the presence of Callihan and an unidentified office manager. When questioned, Callihan defended Barto, claiming he was just being “thorough.”

Whether dealing with complex civil claims or needing a Steubenville OVI attorney, proper legal representation from the Youngstown Criminal Law Group is vital. Contact us at (330) 791-8104.