Pennsylvania radiologist accused of child sexual exploitation

A former vice chairman of the radiology department at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

In November 2022, Ashok Panigrahy, 53, transported and attempted to transport material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in interstate commerce and was in possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, the indictment said.

Homeland Security Investigations in Pittsburgh and Chicago conducted the investigation that led to the indictment, with the case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Justice Department in May 2006 to combat “the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse,” the statement said.

Panigrahy pleaded not guilty on Sept. 3 and was released to house arrest on a $50,000 unsecured bond, according to a report from the Daily Voice.

WXPI News reported that Panigrahy was suspended and then fired after UPMC officials learned of the investigation.