Pediatric dentist with office in Framingham is arrested on child porn charges, prosecutors say

By Travis Andersen, Globe Staff

A pediatric dentist with an office in Framingham is facing child pornography charges after authorities allegedly found illicit images on a laptop computer that he brought to a service provider for repairs, prosecutors said.

Melvin A. Ehrlich, 52, of Millis, was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Framingham District Court on charges of possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography, the office of Middlesex District Attorney Gerard T. Leone Jr. said.

Ehrlich had brought his laptop to a service provider to remove a suspected virus and while working on the machine, the technician discovered suspected child pornography and called police, prosecutors allege.

Melvin A. Ehrlich (MIddlesex District Attorney)

Authorities determined after an extensive investigation that Ehrlich, who operates a business called Wee Care for Kids in Framingham, used the laptop to download and distribute commercially traded child pornography, according to Leone’s office.

“While the case remains under development and investigation, there is currently no evidence that presently leads law enforcement to believe that Ehrlich physically abused any children or manufactured any images of child pornography,” the statement said.

A spokeswoman for Leone declined to identify the service provider that examined Ehrlich's laptop or provide the exact time-frame of events, but said the probe was a “months-long” investigation.

Ehrlich wrote in his autobiography posted to his professional website that he received a psychology degree from Boston University before attending dental school in Atlanta.

“I chose a career in Pediatric Dentistry because I love being around children,” he wrote. “They’re so honest, humorous and fun. I find it very refreshing and wouldn‘t give it up for anything.”

He said he enjoys spending his spare time with his sons, as well as skiing, playing racquetball, swimming and reading. Other hobbies include playing the harmonica, stained glass, and digital photography, as well as studying Spanish and sign language, Ehrlich wrote in his autobiography.