A former Everett optometrist accused of improper sexual contact with a 10-year-old girl has had his professional license permanently revoked by the state Department of Health.
John O’Brien worked at Eye Doctors LTD at 3726 Broadway in Everett. During an appointment in August, he allegedly took off the girl’s shirt, touched multiple parts of her body, including her face, legs, fingers, stomach, back, neck and squeezed her breasts.
O’Brien also allegedly took cell phone photos of the girl’s face and breasts. He then told the girl to take off her pants. She resisted, according to state Health Department documents, but felt scared because O’Brien allegedly had an angry look on his face.
According to the patient, a tug-of-war ensued, with her pulling her pants back up and him pulling them back down.
Ultimately, O’Brien was able to pull her pants and underwear down. He instructed her to pose while he took cell phone photos of her.
The patient reported the incident to her mother later that day. Everett detectives reportedly recovered eight photographs of the child from O’Brien’s cellphone.
The state Health Department issued a statement of charges against O’Brien on Oct. 23. An answer was due by Nov. 11, but the state agency received no response.
The state agency issues licenses to health care providers, investigates complaints against them, and has the authority to suspend or revoke their professional licenses.
It took the action against O’Brien on Dec. 15 after deeming his actions an imminent risk, said Tammy Kelley, a case manager for the state agency.
The actions taken in Washington will be reported to the National Practitioner Data Base, she said.
O’Brien is being held in the Snohomish County Jail on $750,000 bail.
He was charged with first degree child molestation and possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
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