Full Breakdown
German Pediatrician Charged with 130 Child Sexual Abuse Cases Near Berlin
5/13/2026, 11:06:52 PM
Charges and Alleged Abuse
Prosecutors in Potsdam announced on May 13 that a 46-year-old pediatrician employed by Havelland Kliniken faces 130 counts of sexual offences, including aggravated sexual abuse of children and rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1 December 2013 and 5 November 2025, primarily while the doctor performed duties at the Havelland Kliniken clinics in Rathenow and Nauen, Brandenburg. The suspect remains in pre-trial detention.
Background & Context
Prior to the investigation, Havelland Kliniken required a third person to be present during pediatric examinations to safeguard patients. The protocol was breached in the case reported in January 2025, when a mother alleged her child was sexually abused during a pediatric examination at the Rathenow clinic. The complaint prompted police searches of the clinic’s data storage devices and led to the pediatrician’s arrest.
Timeline of Investigation
Police first learned of the abuse after a mother reported her child’s assault in January 2025. Investigators seized data storage devices and arrested the pediatrician in November 2025. Formal charges were filed on 6 May 2026, and the case was transferred to the regional court in Potsdam on 13 May 2026.
Data & Statistics
Charges: 130 sexual-offence counts.
Alleged period: 1 December 2013 – 5 November 2025 (12 years).
Suspect age: 46.
Detention: pre-trial since November 2025.
Clinics involved: Rathenow and Nauen, Brandenburg.
Official Statements & Responses
The prosecutor’s office said most offences were committed during the doctor’s professional duties and cited a risk of reoffending as justification for continued pre-trial detention. Havelland Kliniken stated the accusations undermine patient trust, announced a confidential hotline, and pledged to review protective measures, noting that its protocol requiring a third person during pediatric examinations had been breached.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Prosecutors have not disclosed how many children were victimized, providing only the total of 130 offences, leaving the exact victim count unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The accused is charged with 130 counts of sexual offences” — Potsdam public prosecutor’s office
- “These include, among other things, allegations of aggravated sexual abuse of children and rape.” — Potsdam public prosecutor’s office
- “The accused is alleged to have committed the majority of the offences in the course of his professional duties,” — Potsdam public prosecutor’s office
- “In the case of the child reported in January, the hospital group said its protocol, which calls for a third person to attend a pediatric examination, had been violated.” — Havelland Kliniken spokesperson
What’s Next
The case will be heard before the regional court in Potsdam. Havelland Kliniken’s hotline remains active, and the hospital group has pledged to implement additional safeguards for pediatric examinations pending the court’s outcome.
