Novi Pediatrician Accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct; Donations Stolen from Local Veterinary Hospital

A Novi pediatrician is facing arraignment Monday on three charges of criminal sexual conduct.

Jeffrey Lee Dembs, 61, a West Bloomfield resident and doctor at the My Kid's Doc office on 12 Mile Road in Novi, is being accused on a count of first degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct, all with a person younger than 13.

The incidents are believed to have occurred on or about spring 2009 to summer 2010. According to Troy-based criminal defense attorney Gerry Gleeson, Dembs went on a voluntary leave of absence after the arrest was made in late November.

"That decision should not reflect on (Dembs) personally," Gleeson said Friday. "We categorically deny these charges and I personally look forward to vindicating him in the courts."

According to Circuit Court Judge Daniel O'Brien's office, Dembs is not in custody, being arraigned by mail and will be in court for a pretrial exam Feb. 4.

If found guilty of first degree criminal sexual conduct, Dembs could face life in jail. 

Donations taken

On Dec. 28, Countryside Veterinary Hospital in Howell reported a break in, according to a report from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department.

Police say they responded to an alarm from the building just before 9 p.m. and noticed that a rear door to the building had been pried open.

Possible footprints made by the suspects were found in the snow, according to the report, which also led to a nearby dentist and a chiropractic office.

Items reported stolen from the veterinary hospital included $100 from the cash register drawer and a donation tub filled with an unknown amount of money.