Merced pediatrician in court on child pornography charges

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dr. Teran Miranda walked out of court a free man after facing a judge for the first time since his arrest in February. A deputy attorney general representing the medical board of California also appeared in the courtroom. He and the prosecutor agreed not to request a higher bail amount if the doctor promised not to practice medicine until his criminal case is over. He also had to hand over his passport.

The pediatrician is accused of hiding a camera inside a flower arrangement and placing it on the back of a toilet at a Golden Valley Health Centers clinic. According to police reports, it recorded one little girl and two young boys exposing themselves as they used the bathroom. Investigators say it also showed a female employee using the restroom and Teran Miranda setting up the camera, as well as the woman who spotted it.

The doctor's defense attorney did not enter a plea during this hearing because he had not received certain documentation from the DA's office. He also declined to comment on the way out of court.

Teran Miranda faces a maximum of three year in prison if convicted and would have to register as a sex offender. He's also been placed on administrative leave.