Former Cincinnati Children’s Doctor Facing Federal Charges — What Families Need to Know

Updated September 5, 2025

Medical Malpractice · Patient Safety

Federal authorities have charged Dr. Howard M. Saal, a former geneticist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, with transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, the case began with a cyber tip to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. The tip was traced to Saal’s IP address, prompting a search of his electronic devices.

Investigators report seizing more than 153,000 illicit images and 470 videos, some involving children as young as newborns. Authorities have emphasized that no evidence to date indicates patients or children connected to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital were depicted in the seized materials.

Dr. Saal, age 73, surrendered his medical license on July 25, 2025, and it was permanently revoked by the Ohio State Medical Board on August 13, 2025. He is no longer employed by Cincinnati Children’s.

Civil Class Action Complaint Filed

On September 3, 2025, Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis filed a civil class action complaint in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas (Case No. A 2504321) on behalf of affected families. The complaint alleges professional negligence and related claims against Dr. Saal, as well as systemic failures by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital that enabled his misconduct.

Under Ohio law, no medical negligence case may proceed without expert certification. Before filing, Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis obtained affidavits of merit and consulted independent experts in genetics, pediatrics, and hospital administration. Those experts confirmed breaches of accepted standards of care, including:

• Genital Examinations: Repetitive, medically unnecessary genital examinations on a pediatric patient.
  
• Clinical Photography: Routinely taking photographs at visits without a clear explanation, documented purpose, or preservation in the medical record.
  
• Retention of Photographs: Retaining pediatric photographs in ways inconsistent with professional or institutional policy—particularly where use appeared personal rather than clinical.
  

“Independent experts have confirmed what families already suspected—these were clear departures from accepted standards of care,” said Rob Lewis, attorney at Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis. “Through civil discovery, we will pursue answers and accountability.”

“Families place extraordinary trust in medical providers and institutions,” added P.J. Beirne, attorney at Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis. “Our duty is to investigate rigorously, protect our clients, and help ensure safer practices going forward.”

Why This Matters for Families

For parents and caregivers, trust in healthcare providers is fundamental. Allegations of this magnitude undermine that trust and leave families wondering what steps to take.

Key questions families may be asking include:

• Was my child ever exposed to inappropriate behavior?
• Did I miss warning signs during past appointments?
• Do I have legal options if I now have concerns?

Even if criminal prosecutors ultimately secure convictions, civil claims provide separate pathways for families to pursue accountability. Civil law focuses on patient rights, damages, and institutional oversight, rather than criminal punishment.

Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis has handled sensitive matters involving medical institutions and understands the challenges associated with coming forward. Our role is to support families in an environment of confidentiality, respect, and care.

Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis’s Role in Patient Safety

For decades, Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis has represented families across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in cases involving medical negligence, institutional accountability, and catastrophic injury. Our attorneys and on-staff medical professionals are experienced in handling high-stakes matters where trust and safety are at issue.

In this matter, Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis is:

• Pursuing a civil complaint and proposed class action lawsuit in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
  
• Investigating patient safety concerns raised by both the federal case and Saal’s past medical practice
  
• Offering confidential consultations to help families safely share their concerns

Next Steps for Families

If Dr. Saal treated your child at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and you have questions or concerns, you may consider:

1. Contact us for a confidential consultation — Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis’s intake team is available to listen and provide initial guidance.
2. Document any concerns — such as old appointment notes, personal observations, or correspondence — which can help provide context.
3. Seek support — these conversations can be overwhelming, and families should know they are not alone in processing them.

When you reach out to Lawrence, Beirne & Lewis, our intake process is designed to be respectful, private, and compassionate. All conversations are treated as confidential.