BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WDNews) – Dr. Jean-Francois Pittet, 72, a UAB anesthesiologist, was arrested on a felony child abuse charge early Wednesday morning. He was booked into Jefferson County Jail at 12:46 a.m. and released after posting a $30,000 bond by 3:15 a.m.
The arrest followed a search warrant executed Monday at Pittet’s Vestavia Hills home, where police presence was notably large. Vestavia Hills Police Capt. Johnny Evans reportedly confirmed Pittet’s detention during the search and subsequent charges for aggravated child abuse. Due to the child’s age and ongoing investigation, no further details have been disclosed.
Charging documents accuse Pittet of willfully torturing or abusing the child with a sexual violation on multiple occasions. Notably, the allegations do not involve any patients at UAB.
Sources say, UAB has responded to the arrest with a statement confirming that Pittet has been placed on administrative leave. They emphasized the seriousness of the matter but declined further comment due to the nature of employment issues.
