Sugar Land doctor defends self against sexual misconduct allegations

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- A Sugar Land doctor is defending his reputation following the temporary suspension of his license by the Texas Medical Board.

According to a release issued Friday, the TMB determined Dr. Abraham Peringol's continuation of practice poses a continuing "..threat to public welfare."

The Board found that Peringol was terminated from his employment after an investigation into allegations of "inappropriate conduct" involving a number of patients. Peringol says he treated those patients at the Sugar Land Medical Associates Family Practice and that they began abusing prescriptions he had written, only coming forward with these allegations after he stopped writing them prescriptions.

The Medical Board says the allegations indicate a "pattern" of professional boundary violations where he would hug and kiss patients, sometimes engaging in "sexual contact" and "inappropriate discussions" with female patients.

"I don't know anything bout this ... these are allegations that have been made that are completely false, " said Dr. Peringol.

He tells Eyewitness News he is appealing the ruling and that a hearing date is set for next month.

"I will fight for my innocence because my family, friends and God know that the truth will come out," he said.

Peringol also worked at a private emergency room in Sugar Land. The owner there says he is now conducting a full investigation to determine if there were any issues with Peringol there.