An orthopedic surgeon accused of meeting a girl for sex in Novato surrendered his medical license pending the outcome of the criminal case. As a result of the medical license suspension, the Division of Workers’ Compensation has also suspended his QME certificate. According to the report in the Marin Independent Journal, 53 year old Raymond Severt M.D. made his initial appearance in Marin Superior Court, where he is charged with four felony sex charges. Deputy District Attorney Aicha Mievis he delayed entering a plea until his next hearing on April 10.

Severt, in stipulating to the suspension of his medical practice, is also barred from prescribing or dispensing drugs, and he must surrender his wall certificates and prescription pads, according to a filing by Deputy Attorney General Brenda Reyes. At the time of his arrest last month Severt worked for Santa Rosa Orthopeadics. He is on leave.

Severt, a Santa Rosa resident, was arrested by Novato police on Feb. 11. The investigation began when police received information that a man was sending sexually explicit messages to the girl and had arranged to meet her in Novato. Investigators intercepted Severt in the area of South Novato Boulevard and Gateway Court. Police said he initially met the girl through an online chat room.

Severt’s lawyer, Stephen Turer, said that the girl initially told Severt she was 21 years old. Police allege she later told Severt that she was under 18, but Severt agreed to meet anyway because he did not know which age she was telling the truth about, Turer said. Severt never actually had the chance to meet her and see that she was underage, because police arrested him first, Turer said. “It becomes one of those not-so-unique situations where people get involved online under, at least, ambiguous or confusing circumstances,” he said. “It doesn’t appear that initially his interest was in young girls,” he added. “There’s no indication he has any history in any way of soliciting minors. It’s unfortunate what he did even if she was 21, given his age, but it’s not a crime.”

Severt is charged with attempted lewd acts with a child under 14, communicating with a minor for the purpose of lewd behavior, arranging a meeting with a minor for purposes of lewd behavior, and distribution of lewd material to a minor. The latter charge is for the sexually explicit messages he allegedly sent the girl. Severt could face up to four years in prison on charges of attempted lewd acts with a child under 14, communicating with a minor for the purpose of lewd behavior, arranging a meeting with a minor for purposes of lewd behavior, and distribution of lewd material to a minor. The latter charge is for the sexually explicit messages he allegedly sent the girl.