EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — An El Paso dentist accused of child sex crimes has entered a plea of not guilty, according to the El Paso District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday.
Oscar Vargas, who was expected to have an arraignment hearing on Wednesday, has pleaded not guilty and has had his arraignment appearance waived, a spokesperson for the El Paso District Attorney’s office confirmed to KFOX14/CBS4.
According to the district attorney’s office, Vargas’ attorney entered the not guilty plea on Tuesday as part of the paperwork filed for the waiver of arraignment.
Vargas, who was a Texas-licensed dentist, was indicted on charges that accuse him of multiple sex crimes involving a child in March.
According to court documents, a grand jury indicted Oscar Vargas in El Paso County on 11 counts, including sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child, and possession of child pornography.
Prosecutors also allege Vargas communicated with the child electronically in a sexually explicit manner and sent explicit images.
Additional counts accuse Vargas of possessing explicit material involving a minor and inducing a child to engage in sexual conduct for the purpose of producing visual material.
The indictment outlines alleged incidents dating back to at least mid-2025, including accusations that Vargas used alcohol and marijuana to impair the child’s ability to resist.
Meanwhile, the plea comes after Vargas has had his license suspended, according to online records.
Vargas has been placed under an enforced suspension, prohibiting him from practicing for an extended period, according to official licensing records.
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners said the license was suspended on April 9.
Vargas has been licensed in Texas since June 8, 1987, and is currently listed as “Enforced Suspension” status and is set to remain suspended.
According to online records, his license is set to expire on October 31, 2027.
During this time, Vargas is legally barred from practicing dentistry.
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