Civil Lawsuit Filed in Youngstown Against Employer of Pediatrician Barto

A civil lawsuit has been officially filed against the employers of Johnnie Barto, the pediatrician convicted of pedophilia. The suit alleges that the employers were already aware that the accused posed a significant threat to patients, yet they permitted him to continue practicing within their establishment without questioning his behavior.

Currently, five former patients of Barto are pursuing financial compensation from his employers. Earlier this March, Barto received a sentence of at least 79 years in prison for the sexual assault of 31 minors, the majority of whom were his students.

Allegations Against Laurel Pediatrics Associates

The lawsuits level serious allegations against Laurel Pediatrics Associates, claiming the clinic was aware for two decades that Barto’s conduct was a serious danger to patients. Despite this knowledge, they allegedly allowed him to treat and molest these children. The clinic has not provided any comments regarding the case. If you are facing legal challenges, a Youngstown criminal lawyer can provide necessary guidance on how to proceed.

Additionally, four Jane Does and one John Doe are seeking damages from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, where Barto held medical privileges. In a released statement, the hospital described Barto’s actions as reprehensible but maintained they had no involvement in the incidents.

Legal Action and Advocacy

During a press conference regarding the case, the team noted, “We’re really just getting started.” Sarah Klein, a former Olympic gymnast and the first survivor to speak out about former national team doctor Larry Nassar, highlighted the broader issue: “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.” Whether dealing with complex abuse cases or traffic violations, a Youngstown DUI attorney understands the importance of rigorous legal representation.

Failure of Ohio Authorities to Act

Shockingly, even when presented with a chance to stop Barto, state authorities in Ohio completely missed the opportunity in 2000. Two young girls who were molested in 1999 came forward to the medical board. However, regulators dismissed the case, claiming the allegations were “incongruous to his reputation,” and allowed him to continue practicing medicine in Mahoning County.

As a prominent pediatrician in Youngstown and an elected member of the school board, Barto was highly respected. This reputation contributed to the disbelief that he could be a pedophile. In complex cases involving community figures, consulting a Youngstown criminal lawyer is often a critical step for victims seeking justice against powerful entities.

Following that missed opportunity, Barto reportedly felt “invincible,” a sentiment he shared with authorities after his arrest. This emboldened him to continue molesting at least a dozen young patients until his eventual arrest in January 2018.

Negligence Claims Against Colleagues

The civil lawsuit filed by the Youngstown Criminal Law Group alleges that Barto’s colleagues were “on notice that Barto presented an unreasonably high risk of harm to his minor patients.” It further claims that through silence, acquiescence, denial, and misrepresentation, they failed to act in any way to protect the children. Finding a qualified Youngstown DUI attorney or criminal defense expert is essential when negligence is involved.

Two other health providers who allegedly minimized the accusations against Barto are still employed with Laurel Pediatrics:

• Pediatrician Dr. Elaine Confer
• Nurse Practitioner Bradley Callihan

In October 2016, Barto molested a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister at Laurel. The lawsuit states that when the children’s mother confronted Confer, the doctor “confirmed that she had been informed previously about Barto’s inappropriate conduct.” Confer promised to speak with him about his “odd bedside manner” but reportedly took no action.

Specific Incidents of Ignore Warnings

Approximately a decade ago, Barto also examined a 16-year-old girl in the presence of Callihan and an unidentified office manager. In this instance, Barto was accused of performing unnecessary genital and breast exams. According to the suit, Callihan and the manager claimed Barto was merely being “thorough,” suggesting that if a lump had been found, the patient and her parents would not have accused him of molesting her. If you or a loved one has been affected, a Youngstown DUI attorney can help you understand your legal options. Call (330) 992-3036 for a confidential consultation.