Moshe Markowitz: Pennsylvania pediatrician arrested for sexting underage NJ girl he met on Omegle
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WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: A Pennsylvania pediatrician has been accused of sexting an underage girl he met on a social media app. Dr Moshe Markowitz, 47, allegedly sent sexually explicit texts to the New Jersey girl met her on Omegle, an online chat site.
Using the alias Steven Jones, the Allentown native discussed oral sex and explicit acts with the high school student in December 2022 on Discord, a gaming chat app, according to prosecutors. In January this year, an investigation into the case was launched following a report received after a Warren Hills Regional High School student informed the school resource officer that the girl who is her friend was involved in an inappropriate relationship with an adult, reported New York Post.
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What are the charges against Markowitz?
According to Warren County officials, "Graphic sexually charged conversations" were found on a cellphone and electronics seized from Markowitz's home during a raid last week. The pediatrician who used the alias in his illegal sexts has been taken into custody and faces charges of third-degree child endangerment. The charges are specifically for the conduct where he engaged in a way that would impair or debauch the child's morals, according to officials. The doctor will have to register as a sex offender and faces up to five years behind bars if he is convicted.
Alleged pedophile pediatrician fired
Talking to NJ.com, Brian Downs, the Lehigh Valley Health Network representative, said that immediate action was taken following the allegation and fired Markowitz. He said, "We will assist authorities during their review. Due to the ongoing investigation, LVHN is not able to offer further comment."
Requesting to suspend his medical license, a petition has been filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s board of medicine stating that Markowitz is "an immediate and clear danger to the public health and safety." With the request being approved now, he has been ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing within 30 days.
James Pfeiffer, the Warren County Prosecutor stated, "The possibility of other victims is always something we have a concern about, because of the fact he was on these apps." However, at the time there is no evidence of other victims.