Ex-UPMC Children's Hospital Doc Faces Child Pornography Charges

PITTSBURGH, PA — A former UPMC Children's Hospital physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of minor.

According to the two-count indictment, Ashok Panigrahy, 53, transported and attempted to transport material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in interstate commerce, as well as possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Panigrahy formerly was Children's Hospital's chief radiologist. UPMC first placed him on leave and then fired him when learning he was under investigation.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh, Panigrahy faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.