A former University of Michigan pediatric doctor has been in plea negotiations with federal prosecutors over allegations of child sex and pornography allegations.
46 year old Mark Hoetzel is facing seven felonies involving charges of receiving and possessing child pornography and inappropriate contact with patients while he worked at the U of M’s Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic in Ann Arbor and at a camp for children with arthritis.
The charges could send him to prison for up to 20 years.
The investigation against him began in 2017.
He was then removed from patient care duty.
His attorneys have been involved with prosecutors on a plea deal.
He has until a final pre-trial hearing on Thursday to reach a deal.
If not, a trial date will be set.