W. French Anderson, the director of the Gene Therapy Laboratories at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles and a professor of molecular biology, biochemistry, and pediatrics, was arrested last week (July 30) and charged with multiple counts of child molestation.

After spending the weekend in jail, Anderson was released after posting $600,000 bail. On Monday (August 2), Anderson pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was asked to reappear in court August 16 to schedule a date for a preliminary hearing.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, the alleged victim was Anderson's student in Karate, and the crimes allegedly took place in Anderson's home. If convicted on all counts, the scientist, 67, could spend up to 56 years in jail.

Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, told The Scientist that Anderson was arrested Friday...

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