A Missouri doctor, who was arrested and charged after he allegedly impregnated a 16-year-old girl, stated in court last month that he had intentions of marrying her, according to reports.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, citing court testimony, reported that 46-year-old Dr. Ashu Joshi, who practiced at St. Louis University Hospital, was “indicted last month on charges of production and receipt of child pornography and transportation of a minor across state lines for sex.”
The doctor, of Sunset Hills, reportedly met the underage girl through her mother, a patient of the suspect. The unidentified teen resided in Kentucky, according to officials, who said the case came to light through tips made to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
A transcript obtained by the newspaper said an October 26 detention hearing revealed the girl’s initial intention was to learn more about the medical profession, specifically being a doctor, through Joshi. At some point the teen “became his babysitter before the two began having sex,” an investigator with the U.S. attorney’s office, Donya Jackson, reportedly said at the hearing.
The records were made public on November 15, after Joshi posted $10,000 bail and was subsequently released from custody.
While the unidentified teen’s mother was apparently aware that her daughter was “dating” Joshi, she did not approve of the two engaging in sexual activity, according to Jackson.
According to Sgt.Adam Kavanaugh of the St. Louis County Special Investigations Unit, Joshi asked for the girl’s hand in marriage, and she confessed that she had gotten pregnant by the suspect.
Further, court records stated “hundreds” of photos, and also video footage, showed the teen “nude by herself and with the doctor.” The aforementioned was purportedly shared between the two through Facebook, and officials said Joshi requested that the teen send the material, according to WYMT.
Kavanaugh alleged that Joshi transported the teenager from Kentucky to his home, where the suspect had sexual intercourse with the girl on two occasions.
Joshi has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and conditions of his bail include a no-contact order with the girl. He has since been suspended from his place of employment, pending a trial.
This is a developing story. CrimeOnline will provide updates as information becomes available.
[Feature photo: Dr. Ashu Joshi, Twitter]
