The number of victims molested by Delaware doctor could grow; counseling offered victims and their families

A Delaware pediatrician accused of molesting his patients, some of them infants, could have victimized as many as 100, says Delaware’s Attorney General. The push is on to help those victims as well.

When a Delaware pediatrician returns to a Sussex County, Delaware court in mid-January, he could be charged with sexually abusing patients may have more than 100 victims, according to Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden.

Dr. Earl Bradley was arrested last week and a search warrant was executed at his medical practice in Lewes. He’s been charged with 33 felony counts relating to seven victims. The state’s top law enforcement officer told WHYY reporter Bill Cook, the charges “shock the conscience.”

“I’m unaware of anything like this in the state of Delaware,” Biden said. “We will prosecute and pursue this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

Biden says based on evidence seized at Bradley’s home and practice that the number of potential victims could be much higher. “It appears there are numerous, numerous victims in this matter,” Biden said. “And that’s why we encourage anyone in Lewes, Sussex County or the state to call us with any evidence they have of anything that might have happened to their child at the hands of this doctor.”

The telephone number to speak with Delaware State Police detectives is 302-856-5850. A 24-hour Victim Services Hotline is also available to help victims and their families. That number is 1-800-VICTIM.  A series of counseling sessions have also been set up at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. The meetings will be held in collaboration with other Delaware agencies including ContactLifeline, Survivors of Abuse in Recovery (SOAR), and Delaware State Police Victim Services.
The first meetings will be held Tuesday December 29th. There are two other meetings set for January 12th and 26th.

Bradley’s preliminary hearing on Wednesday has been postponed until Jan. 14. Biden says the current charges and any additional charges will be presented to the Grand Jury for indictment.

And it appears to be a case that could have ramifications outside of Delaware. It’s Biden’s “understanding” that Bradley graduated from Temple University and did his residency in at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia. He went on to get his license in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. He had a practice in northeast Philadelphia before relocating to Delaware.