Toronto SickKids Doctor Dilan Dissanayake Charged in Child Sexual Abuse Material Case
A Toronto doctor employed by The Hospital for Sick Children has been charged with accessing and possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material following a months-long police investigation that included searches of the hospital and a private residence.
Toronto police arrested Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto, on Tuesday. He faces one count of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and one count of accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Dissanayake was scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday.
Police said Dissanayake works as a physician at SickKids and has been placed on leave.
Toronto Police ICE Unit Seizes Electronic Devices
The Toronto Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit opened an investigation in January after an electronic device was allegedly used to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Investigators executed search warrants in February at SickKids, formally known as The Hospital for Sick Children, and at a private Toronto residence.
Police seized several electronic devices during the searches, including a computer used for work.
“At this time, investigators have found no evidence that the child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to his practice as a physician,” Toronto police said in a news release.
The investigation remains active. Police have asked anyone with information related to the case to contact investigators.
SickKids Places Doctor on Immediate Leave
SickKids said it was “deeply upset and dismayed” after learning about the allegations involving one of its physicians.
“We understand that this news is concerning, and the safety and well-being of our patients, families and staff remain our highest priority,” the hospital said.
“SickKids has not been notified of any risk to patients and families, He (Dissanayake) was placed on immediate leave once (we) became aware of the investigation.”
The hospital said families whose children received care from Dissanayake may contact its Patient Relations office at [email protected] with questions or concerns.
Records from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario identify Dissanayake as a specialist in rheumatology.
University of Toronto Confirms Clinical Appointment
The University of Toronto also confirmed that Dissanayake held a clinical appointment at the institution. A university spokesperson said officials have no “evidence that the charges relate to his university activities.”
“We are reaching out to members of the university community who may have worked and learned with him to make them aware of available supports and resources, in collaboration with SickKids,” the statement reads.
The university said Dissanayake was placed on administrative leave after officials learned of the police investigation “into these serious offences.”
“The university would end its relationship with any individual found to have engaged in such conduct,” the statement reads.
Toronto police said the investigation is continuing and encouraged anyone with further information to come forward.
