Chattanooga doctor arrested on attempted child molestation charge

photo Vikul Patel

A local doctor was arrested Sunday on charges of attempted child molestation after he traveled to Rossville to meet a minor child with whom to have sex, according to the Northwest Georgia Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Vikul Patel, 35, who practices internal medicine, was arrested without incident Sunday afternoon by FBI-led Safe Child Task Force agents and officers, according to a news release.

Patel is out on bond, according to Walker County Detention Center officials.

Patel came to the attention of law enforcement over the Internet when he began a series of "chats" with undercover agents about his desire to have sex with a minor child, according to authorities.

He was processed at the Walker County Detention Center on state charges of attempted child molestation and violation of the Computer Pornography Act.

"The public should be reminded that the above are merely allegations and all persons are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," according to the release.

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