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A Fort Worth respiratory therapist was arrested last month and faces charges of possessing material that depicted sexual abuse of children.
The therapist, Mark Elliott Ayers, was arrested Aug. 6 by Burleson police on charges of possession with intent to promote computer child pornography under 18, a second-degree felony, as well as possession with intent to promote child pornography under 18 years of age, a third-degree felony. On Aug. 19, Ayers was booked on two additional child porn charges, including a charge of possession or access with intent to view child pornography depicting sexual conduct or sexual assault, a first-degree felony, according to county records.
Ayers is currently incarcerated at the Johnson County Jail, and is being held on $1.9 million bond, according to records from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. An attorney for Ayers could not be identified.
Ayers’ respiratory therapy license was suspended by the Texas Board of Respiratory Care on Thursday.
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Ciara McCarthy covers health and wellness as part of the Star-Telegram’s Crossroads Lab. She came to Fort Worth after three years in Victoria, Texas, where she worked at the Victoria Advocate. Ciara is focused on equipping people and communities with information they need to make decisions about their lives and well-being. Please reach out with your questions about public health or the health care system. Email cmccarthy@star-telegram.com or call or text 817-203-4391.