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Children’s doctor accused of sexual abuse on temporary leave of absence

Dr. Daniel Davidow is on temporary leave of absence after a CBS 6 investigation
Posted at 5:05 PM, Feb 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-11 16:24:57-05

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. -- A children’s doctor under investigation for sexual abuse is on a temporary leave of absence from the medical staff at Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents, according to the hospital’s CEO Gay Brooks.

Brooks said that Davidow voluntarily requested the leave.

Dr. Daniel Davidow has served as the medical director at Cumberland Hospital since 1996, according to his professional LinkedIn page.

CBS 6 has been looking into complaints regarding Cumberland Hospital for the last six months, included accusations against Davidow.

Gay confirms that Davidow’s temporary leave began last week, when CBS 6 first reported accusations against Davidow.

Related: Girl’s graphic drawings at center of sexual abuse investigation into director of children’s hospital

News of Davidow's leave of absence comes on the same day that a Cumberland psychotherapist appeared in court for the first time. Herschel “Mickey” Harden is charged with two counts of object sexual penetration by force.

CBS 6 first reported that Virginia State Police have been investigating multiple allegations of abuse and neglect at Cumberland Hospital since 2017.

In a statement, Gay says that Dr. Davidow is an independent physician on staff at Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents.

“He has never been employed by either Cumberland Hospital or UHS,” Gay wrote. “Cumberland Hospital does contract with Dr. Davidow’s group practice, Daniel M. Davidow, M.D., P.C., on an independent contractor basis for medical direction and patient care services.”

In response to the CBS 6 Problem Solvers investigation, the office of Governor Ralph Northam sent CBS 6 the following statement:

“Governor Northam takes these allegations very seriously—not only as Governor, but as a pediatrician and father. While the Virginia State Police continues to investigate these claims, the Governor has directed Secretary of Health Daniel Carey to ensure we are doing everything possible on our end to protect the health and safety of patients.”

Stay with CBS 6 for the latest on this developing story.

Related: Psychotherapist at Virginia children’s hospital arrested for sex crimes

Related: CBS 6 investigation uncovers child abuse, neglect allegations at Virginia children’s hospital