Mass. pediatric dentist denies child porn charges

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- A pediatric dentist with an office in Framingham has pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges.

Melvin Ehrlich of Millis was freed on $10,000 bail at his arraignment Thursday on two counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of dissemination of child pornography.

Authorities say the images were found on the 52-year-old Ehrlich's laptop computer when he sent it in for service.

Prosecutors say Ehrlich used this laptop computer under various user names to download and distribute commercially traded child pornography images.

Ehrlich's lawyer said his client did not know the images were on his computer or how they got there.

“I’ve had ongoing dialogues with the DA’s office about this case, about Dr. Ehrlich, frankly arresting him was really uncalled for -- maybe there are other things going on locally that prompted them to act…” said Michael Brennan, defense attorney.

Ehrlich operates a business called Wee Care for Kids in Framingham. There is currently no evidence that any of his patients were harmed.

“I knew right away that it had to have been him because he is so well known,” said Jennifer Wentworth, a mother of a former patient.

Parents who brought their children to Dr. Ehrlich in the past said they used him because they trusted him with their children.

“He has an amazing reputation, which as a parent it makes me really have to question now, every move I make in terms of who takes care of my children,” said Wentworth.

Ehrlich’s attorney said his client is still allowed to come to work and work with children.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.