An Austin dentist is charged with possession and promotion of child pornography. Dr. Michael McCarty was arrested and has been released on $25,000 bond.
Dr. McCarty, 64, owns Austin Smiles Dentistry located just south of Far West on MoPac.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Youth tipped off the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The group monitors the Web for illegal activity online.
According to an arrest affidavit, investigators found child pornography on a laptop at McCarty’s Northwest Austin home. The paperwork states that investigators also found illegal images on McCarty’s work computer in his office and on his office server.
Investigators with the Texas Attorney Generals Office say they also found two compact discs in McCarty’s briefcase that contained photos and movies of young boys.
A former patient of 12 years says it is hard for her to understand Dr. McCarty’s charges.
“I literally got sick to my stomach," patient Barbara Reagor said. "I mean, because he's been such a nice guy, to me, and very professional. I recommend him to everybody that I know because he's been so supportive of my volunteer work with the local animal rescue group."
Texas Monthly magazine named McCarty a Texas Super Dentist for at least four years. His website says he specializes in adult and cosmetic dentistry.
McCarty faces two to 10 years in prison if convicted. McCarty could also lose his dental license in Texas.
