Dr. David Rerko, 63, a former anesthesiologist who had been working on assignment at Broward Health North, has pleaded no contest to multiple felony counts after detectives say he emailed himself photos and videos showing children being sexually abused. Court records list his sentencing date as July 8, 2026, in Broward County.
How investigators say the material was found
According to court documents and detectives, the case began with an online tip from Yahoo to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators traced that tip to an email account they say was linked to Rerko, then seized evidence during a traffic stop in September 2024.
Detectives allege Rerko sent himself 122 files described as child sexual-abuse material and 117 files labeled "child erotica," and that every email carried the signature "David Rerko, MD." The photos and videos reportedly showed girls roughly between 8 and 13 years old, as reported by Local 10.
Forensic work on additional devices is still underway, and court records indicate the charges could grow if investigators uncover more files.
Hospital ties and license status
When Rerko was arrested, he was employed by a third-party contractor that had assigned him to Broward Health North. Hospital officials revoked his privileges immediately and later said he was no longer allowed on any of the system's properties.
State licensing records show Rerko ultimately surrendered his medical license. The Miami Herald reviewed those records and reported on both the surrender and the related Florida Department of Health inquiry. Hospital officials said they cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
Defense filings and the upcoming sentence
Court filings show Rerko's attorneys have asked for a downward departure from standard sentencing guidelines. They argue he has an unspecified mental disorder, that the conduct was an isolated and "unsophisticated" incident, and that he has shown remorse, according to Local 10.
Prosecutors will present their own recommendation at the July 8 hearing, where the judge will decide whether to accept any plea agreement and what penalties to impose. Court records show Rerko previously posted bond after his 2024 arrest and has remained under court supervision since then.
What a no-contest plea means and possible penalties
In Florida, a plea of nolo contendere, or no contest, is accepted in place of a guilty plea and usually leads to a conviction and sentence similar to what follows a guilty plea. Before accepting the plea, the judge must confirm there is a factual basis for it, under the state's rules on criminal procedure.
Criminal penalties for offenses involving child sexual-abuse material are set by Florida law and can include felony charges that carry significant prison time. For example, a third-degree felony in Florida may be punished by up to five years in prison, according to state code §775.082 (Florida Senate) and the obscenity provisions in Chapter 847 (Florida Senate). The plea process itself is governed by Florida Rule 3.170 (Florida Courts).
Next steps in court
The sentencing hearing on July 8, 2026, is expected to include arguments from prosecutors and defense attorneys, along with any victim-impact statements. The judge will then weigh state sentencing laws, any plea agreement and the defense mitigation claims before imposing a sentence. Until that ruling, the case remains open, and any new forensic findings could affect the charges or the recommendations on punishment.
