Mayo child doctor in La Crosse accused of sexually assaulting children

A doctor with Mayo Health System in La Crosse is facing multiple charges of sexually assaulting children. 

Pediatrician Joseph Poterucha was booked in the La Crosse County jail on Thursday. 

During a Friday court hearing, prosecutor Eric Sanford said two initial charges against Poterucha appear to be the “tip of the iceberg.”  

“The state at this point anticipates a third filing of a 1st degree sexual assault of a child, and there’s a fourth interview that’s happening this afternoon,” Sanford said.

A defense attorney for the 40-year-old Poterucha said if her client is released from jail, he would probably stay with his relatives in Rochester.

Mayo in La Crosse released a statement just after 5 p.m. Friday saying,“Mayo Clinic Health System has been informed of the charges involving Dr. Poterucha. Mayo is cooperating with law enforcement, and information Mayo has at this time indicates the charges are not related to his care of patients. Under the circumstances, Mayo has placed Dr. Poterucha on administrative leave as it conducts its own investigation into the situation.”