Tulsa Doctor remains in jail on sexual abuse charges

The Tulsa doctor arrested Tuesday for molesting a child has been in trouble with the law before. <br><br>News on Six reporter Emory Bryan says as KOTV first reported Tuesday Dr James Loerke faces charges

Wednesday, September 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Tulsa doctor arrested Tuesday for molesting a child has been in trouble with the law before.

News on Six reporter Emory Bryan says as KOTV first reported Tuesday Dr James Loerke faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor after police say he admitted to a sexual relationship with a girl who is now 11 years old - but who was only 7 when the relationship started. She was not one of his patients.

Dr Loerke faces four charges, and is still in jail under a $400,000 bond. Back in 1995 - the Board of Osteopathic Medicine accused the doctor of "gross malpractice" - stemming from a complaint he signed blank prescription forms. The complaint says he gave prescriptions of hydrocodone to the office handyman, trading each dayâ€™s work for one prescription.

The board put Dr Loerke's license on probation for three years - and ordered him to attend classes on prescribing drugs - and ethics. After he met their terms, the restrictions were lifted in December 1995.

Because of his arrest, the doctor could have his license revoked - but that process takes some time. The Tulsa Police Department says they have heard from people with complaints about the doctor, but so far, none that involve any sort of sexual relationship.

And the police say they're recommending more charges in the abuse case pending against Dr Loerke.