Pediatric Dentist Cleared on Remaining Three Charges By Michelle Logsdon - March 20, 2002
Pasadena pediatric dentist Drueciel Ford, 50, has been cleared on three outstanding charges of child endangerment and conspiracy. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lance Ito dismissed the three remaining criminal charges against Ford March 19. She was acquitted of 60 other counts two weeks earlier.
Ford was accused of over-sedating patients and causing the heart attack and brain damage of 18-year-old Melissa “Missy” McGrath.
The jury deadlocked 10 to 2 for acquittal on the conspiracy charge and one child endangerment charge, and 11 to 1 for acquittal on the second endangerment charge. A retrial was possible but Judge Ito dismissed the remaining charges at the request of the district attorney's office.
Ford is now in the process of getting her four children back from social workers who removed them from her home. The attorney general’s office will decide whether or not Ford receives her dental license back as well.
Adjuster / Examiner Claims Examiner Santa Ana Unified School District Santa Ana, CA