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CLEARFIELD — A pediatrician was arrested Friday on suspicion of possessing hundreds of images containing child pornography.
Taylor Steven Jerman, a pediatrician at the Intermountain Health Care clinic in Layton, was arrested at 2 a.m. Friday following a two month criminal investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to the Clearfield Police Department. A search warrant was executed on his apartment, located near 1100 South and 2000 East in Clearfield.
Hundreds of images depicting “nude children being sexually exploited” were located on Jerman’s personal computer, according to a probable cause statement. The investigation began on Aug. 27 when an undercover agent detected "child pornography files were being downloaded and shared within Clearfield City," the document reads.
Investigators said none of Jerman’s alleged criminal activities were tied to his employment as a pediatrician.
"We are deeply concerned by these allegations," a statement from Intermountain Healthcare reads. "Taylor Jerman, MD, has been an employee based at the Layton Clinic since February, 2014. He has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation."
Jerman was arrested on suspicion of eight charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second degree felony, and booked into the Davis County Jail. An investigating officer requested a high bail for Jerman due to the fact that he has access to young children at his work and lives near a playground, according to the probable cause statement.
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing said it is aware of the criminal charges against Jerman.
"The Division is investigating the case and is currently reviewing its options with regards to Dr. Jerman's licenses," a prepared statement from the DOPL reads.
Jerman obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology at Weber State University, then attended Saint Louis University School of Medicine and trained as a pediatric resident at the University of Iowa, according to Intermountain's website. He specializes in treating patients struggling with headaches, sleep disorders, neurological conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders. Jerman grew up in Highland.
Contributing: Pat Reavy
