Stewart Bitman

By Sharon Aron Baron

A doctor was arrested Tuesday morning by Broward Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detectives after a joint investigation with Coral Springs Police Department revealed that he sent sexually explicit messages and photographs to an underage victim.

Detectives obtained information that in early April, Stewart Bitman, 64, of Parkland sent a number of sexual text messages and nude photos of himself to a 13-year-old child. Detectives believe Bitman knew he was communicating with a minor, and while attempting to solicit victims, he portrayed himself as a teenage boy.

During the search warrant executed at Bitman’s home Tuesday morning with assistance from BSO SWAT team members, he was taken into custody. Numerous electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis.

Bitman, a Coral Springs gastroenterologist, was booked at the BSO Main Jail. He faces three counts of transmission of material harmful to a minor and one count of solicitation of a minor. The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are working to identify additional victims with whom Bitman may have communicated.

BSO ICAC detectives ask anyone with information regarding this case or anyone whose child may have been a victim of Bitman to contact BSO ICAC Detective Jennifer Montgomery at 954-888-5290.

If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.

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