A local physician accused of

improperly touching several of his patients will be allowed to continue

practicing medicine while he is on bond awaiting trial.

Dr. Orlando Luis Cano, 64,

of Riverdale, has been charged with four counts of sexual battery and

one count of simple battery for improperly touching four different patients

during medical exams at his office on East Lanier Avenue in Fayetteville,

according to warrants for his arrest.

Two of the women named in the

warrants allege that Cano touched their breasts and buttocks. Another

woman alleged Cano touched her breasts. A fourth woman said Cano "touched

her intimate parts" during a medical exam that exceeded the consent

she gave for the exam, the warrant said. She also said that he "kissed"

her hand "in an insulting manner" after the exam. The incidents

date back as far as June of last year, according to warrants.

Cano, a gynecologist, turned

himself in to the Fayette County Jail Monday. His bond was set at $20,000

from county solicitor Steve Harris to restrict Cano from practicing medicine

while he awaits trial.

Cano's attorney, Robert Suttles

of Jonesboro, argued that the charges were brought forth by disgruntled

ex-employees and that Cano had a "clean" record as a physician.

Harris countered that claim

with reference to an incident at Henry County General Hospital when reports

of nurse harassment from Cano led to a warning from hospital officials.

Cano was issued a second warning from the hospital officials after claims

he was exacting retribution against the nurses who brought the original

claims, Harris said.

Though Harris argued Cano should

be restricted from practicing medicine to protect the public, Judge Tinsley

cited case law which indicates such decisions are best left up to the

defendant's employer or the licensing board that regulates the defendant's

profession.

Tinsley said if new evidence

comes to light during the investigation he would be amenable to holding

a bond revocation hearing if necessary.

Similar complaints against

Cano have been filed with Georgia's medical licensing board after several

former employees came forward with allegations, Harris told The Citizen

Tuesday afternoon.

Harris said he encourages other

possible victims to come forward by calling Fayette County Sheriff's Det.

Tracey Carroll at 770-461-5266 or his office at 770-461-4703, ext. 3420.

Back

to News Home Page |