Hospital's Statement on Doctor Arrested for Sexual Battery

A physician who ran Emergency Care at Palms of Pasadena Hospital has lost his privileges to practice at the facility, since his arrest Friday on charges involving sexual abuse of a teenage boy.

Dr. Brian Cook, 50, remained in jail Monday since being booked on three charges of sexual abuse against a minor.

A written statement from the Palms of Pasadena Hospital Monday noted that Cook is not an employee of the hospital but was contracted through Hospital Physician Partners, a Florida-based company that provides Emergency Care management to hospitals, among other services.

The statement also noted that Cook's privileges to practice at the hospital are suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Director of Marketing Judy Goetz released this statement from the Palms of Pasadena Hospital.

"We did not have personal knowledge related to the allegations, but we will cooperate fully with the investigating authorities to the extent necessary and helpful. While emergency department physicians are not employees of the hospital, Dr. Cook’s privileges have been suspended pending further investigation. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with all involved in these troubling allegations."

Gulfport Patch spoke briefly with the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Hospital Physician Partners, Al Emerick, but did not receive a statement on behalf of the company.

Cook is an Indian Rocks Beach resident who also owns walk-in clinics in Largo and Clearwater.

Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said that Cook was cooperative and admitted to the allegations when he was questioned by detectives.

The victim is a teenage boy who was in Cook's care but not related to him, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Cook was booked into the Pinellas County Jail after his arrest Friday. He remains in the county jail. To view the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Charge Report, click here.