Police Found No Basis for Charges Against Dr. Herdeg

Dr. Brian Herdeg has been an outstanding resident of the West Valley for 37 years, and during those years, by his active involvement in civic affairs, he has contributed a great deal to this community. It is very unfortunate that you choose to sensationalize allegations by an unnamed woman that besmirch the doctor’s fine reputation. The identity of “S.M.” is protected, while her charges against Dr. Herdeg are reported in graphic detail.

Your reporter may think that he reported the story objectively because he did interview the doctor and quote him, but the reporter failed to include this pertinent information: The Los Angeles Police Department and district attorney’s office had investigated the case more than a year ago and determined there was not a sound basis for filing charges. Furthermore, criticism by the California Legislature of the state medical board’s handling of some past complaints against physicians has caused that body to press for judicial involvement in cases that were previously handled internally.

I know I speak for many, many people--patients, friends and acquaintances--when I express my own feelings of sorrow that Dr. Herdeg and his family must endure the pain of this type of publicity. There will be hearings and testimony, and there will ultimately be an outcome. I hope The Times will give as much space and prominence to an article fully clearing the doctor’s name at that time.

EVELYN P. BORDEN

Woodland Hills