Ex-psychiatrist guilty of child porn seeks license

BILLINGS (AP) — A former child psychiatrist sent to prison on a federal child pornography conviction wants his medical license back.

The Billings Gazette (http://tinyurl.com/lnohyoq) reports Dr. James Peak petitioned the Montana Board of Medical Examiners for reinstatement of his medical license.

A decision may come by September.

The 51-year-old Peak served nearly 10 months in a federal prison in Washington state after pleading guilty in August 2011 to possessing child pornography.

He had been a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Billings Clinic, the state's largest hospital, since 1994.

Some supporters say Peak has paid his debt to society.

Michael J. Ramirez, clinical coordinator for the Montana Professional Assistance Program, says Peak's remorse for his crimes is genuine.

Peak maintains he looked at child pornography of young boys but never physically abused any.

___