From FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth · Carter Freemon · · 1m 20s
Fort Worth therapist suspended over child pornography charges
A respiratory care practitioner's license was suspended after his arrest on multiple felony charges related to child exploitation material.
In brief
A respiratory care practitioner's license was suspended after his arrest on multiple felony charges related to child exploitation material. Healthcare workers can face immediate license suspension while facing criminal charges, even before trial or conviction. Originally reported by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
Respiratory therapist arrested in Fort Worth
Mark Elliott Ayers was arrested on August 8 by Burleson Police at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center and charged with two felony counts of intent to promote child pornography.
License suspended within weeks
On September 17, the Texas Board of Respiratory Care's disciplinary panel temporarily suspended Ayers' respiratory care practitioner certificate.
Multiple felony charges filed
Ayers faces four felony charges total: two counts of intent to promote child pornography, plus two additional counts filed on August 19 for intent to view child pornography and computer-generated child pornography.
Bail set at 1.4 million dollars
Ayers is currently incarcerated at Johnson County Jail with bail set at 1.4 million dollars. One of the promotion charges involves 10 or more depictions.
Suspension stays pending hearing
The temporary suspension remains in effect until the Texas Board of Respiratory Care takes further action. A hearing must be held within 10 days unless Ayers waives it.
What matters most
Healthcare workers can face immediate license suspension while facing criminal charges, even before trial or conviction.
