KATV reports that police have increased the number of allegations of sexual assault against Dr. James Nesmith, 53, a former pediatrician at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and UAMS.
He is accused, the report says, of assault of four boys aged 14 to 21 over a span of at least 12 years. The investigation began after a report to the Department of Human Services from a pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church, where Nesmith worked as a mentor. The victims said he touched their genitals during hikes and at his home. An older male came forward to report the contact.
Nesmith stopped working at Children’s in May and has been placed on leave without pay at UAMS. None of the allegations concern acts at hospitals, the report said. Nesmith faces one count of second-degree sexual assault. Other charges weren’t possible in the four allegations because of the statute of limitations.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported his arrest Tuesday after he surrendered to police on a charge related to a 14-year-old boy