(CNN) — A Delaware pediatrician is facing numerous charges in the alleged sexual abuse of his
patients, authorities said Wednesday, and there may be “multiple victims.” Dr. Earl Bradley, 56, who has had a practice in Lewes, Delaware, for more than 10 years, is charged with eight counts of first-degree rape; four counts of second-degree rape; 14 counts of sexual exploitation of a child; and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden told CNN.
A prosecutor in Biden’s office estimated that Bradley may have had as many as 100 victims. Biden stopped short of that, saying only authorities think there may have been multiple victims, and the investigation is ongoing.
As of Wednesday, seven victims had been identified, said Jason Miller, spokesman for the Delaware Department of Justice. CNN affiliate WBOC-TV reported Bradley is being held in lieu of $2.9 million bond.
He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday in the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas, but his attorney requested that it be continued until January 14, Biden said. WBOC reported that concerns about Bradley’s mental health prompted the postponement and said the doctor is under suicide watch at Sussex Correctional Institution.
The charges against Bradley, and any additional charges that are filed, will be presented to a grand jury “at some point,” Biden told CNN.
He would not give specifics of how Bradley came to authorities’ attention “over the course of recent months.” Police believe the abuse goes back “for several years,” with victims as young as 2, he said.
Additional charges were filed earlier this week after “preliminary forensic investigation of a computer” seized by Delaware State Police, authorities said in a release.
Police said they have seized photographic and video evidence showing Bradley abusing victims, WBOC said. Court documents provide graphic details about the evidence, the station said.
Bradley also has medical licenses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. Biden said authorities in those states have been contacted.
Biden urged parents or others who have concerns regarding Bradley to contact his office, where a hot line is staffed with people who can provide information including counseling referrals.
“We’re taking this incredibly seriously,” he said.
CNN’s Devon Sayers contributed to this report.
Prevention is so much harder then the aftermath . It is so tiring and draining , people want to beleive they would know when thier children are at risk or in danger . They often just do not beleive until it is to late .most people like this man ( my father is a retired MD. surgeon etc. ) will have up to 300 victims in thier lifetime . if people don't deal with the truth then the epidemic will get bigger . No wonder agencies are over burdened and just can't keep up
at least some children will now be safe from this one anyway. I know for that one child it is worth it to continue working but it is just so frustrating seeing these people cover each others crimes and continue abusing etc. I just learned an abuser is running a youth group . It is sad when the majority just walk leading thier lives as they always have and continue this life of abusing others. sorry I'm trying to have hope but it is so darn hard sometimes.
Of all the predtors I know personally and friends have been assulted , molested , raped by etc. not one , not one has ever been charged , helped , children protected from except those of us who cut ties with them . The only three predators who were stopped two were murdered and one took his own life . That is pretty sad reality is it not .
If people dig deeper they will no doubt at all find this person was connected to others who abuse etc. check his travel records as well etc. these people rarely work alone .